LGBTQ+ Families and Their Children: A Selective Review on Psychosocial Development

Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry & Psychology Vol.7 Issue.3

Doi:10.35365/ctjpp.25.3.11

REVIEW ARTICLE / DERLEME YAZISI

LGBTQ+ Families and Their Children: A Selective Review on Psychosocial Development

LGBTQ+ Aileler ve Çocukları: Psikososyal Gelişim Üzerine Bir Seçici Derleme Çalışması

Fatma Mahperi Uluyol¹

Abstract:

In recent years, interest in the effects of LGBTQ+ parenting on children’s psychosocial development has grown. However, much of the existing research focuses on comparisons between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ families, often relying on heteronormative assumptions. These assumptions introduce methodological limitations and inconsistencies, restricting a multidimensional understanding of LGBTQ+ parenting. Moreover, most studies emphasize the sexual orientation and gender identity of LGBTQ+ parents rather than exploring parenting quality and how these experiences are shaped by broader socio-cultural dynamics. To address this gap, the present study offers a selective review of research published between January 2000 and August 2024, examining the psychosocial development of children raised by LGBTQ+ parents, the quality of parent-child relationships, and the role of social stigma. Findings show that children of LGBTQ+ parents demonstrate psychosocial outcomes similar to those of children raised by heterosexual parents. However, they may face social prejudice and discrimination, which can negatively impact their well-being. Supportive family environments and strong parent-child relationships are highlighted as key protective factors. These can buffer the harmful effects of stigma and promote resilience. The study also underscores the importance of implementing inclusive policies and educational programs to counter societal discrimination. Finally, the literature is largely centered on lesbian and gay parents, with limited attention to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities. Methodological shortcomings further reduce the generalizability of findings. In conclusion, in studies involving LGBTQ+ families, children’s development should be assessed not solely through comparative models based on sexual orientation or gender identity, but shaped by a contextual systems perspective.

Keywords: Sexual and gender minorities, Same-sex couples, Parenting, Family, Children, Psychosocial adjustment, Child development.

¹Asst. Prof., Akdeniz University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Psychology, Antalya, Türkiye, E-mail: [email protected], Orcid Id: 0000-0002-7879-9807.

Address of Correpondence/Yazışma Adresi: Fatma Mahperi Uluyol, Akdeniz University, Dumlupınar Blvd., Faculty of Letters, Department of Psychology 07070 Campus, Konyaaltı, Antalya, Türkiye, E-mail: [email protected].

Date of Received/Geliş Tarihi: 04.03.2025, Date of Revision/Düzeltme Tarihi: 05.05.2025, Date of Acceptance/Kabul Tarihi: 16.07.2025, Date of Online Publication/Çevirimiçi Yayın Tarihi: 22.09.2025

Citing/Referans Gösterimi: Uluyol, F. M. (2025). LGBTQ+ Families and Their Children: A Selective Review on Psychosocial Development. Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry & Psychology, 7(3), 309-316.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Cyprus Mental Health Institute / Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry and Psychology (www.ktppdergisi.com). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/