Attitudes Toward Heterosexual and Lesbian Stepmothers: An Experimental Test in the Italian Context

Abstract

This experimental study examines attitudes toward stepmothers in the Italian context and predicts that negative attitudes towards heterosexual and lesbian stepmothers – compared to heterosexual biological mothers – would be higher at higher levels of gender role stereotypes. One hundred and eighty-nine Italian participants completed an online questionnaire in which they read one of three vignettes regarding a mother – (1) heterosexual biological mother; (2) heterosexual stepmother; (3) lesbian stepmother – and her child who was misbehaving. Then, participants responded to measures that assess their gender role beliefs and their beliefs concerning the mother and the child described in the vignette. Results of moderation analyses indicated that the lesbian and heterosexual stepmothers were perceived as being less competent parents, with fewer positive traits and more responsible for the child’s misbehaviour as compared to the heterosexual biological mother among participants with medium and high levels of gender role stereotypes.

Stress and Resilience Experiences during the Transition to Parenthood among Belgian Lesbian Mothers through Donor Insemination

“…In this vein, Bos and Gartrell [1] highlighted that lesbian mothers typically cite raising a child in a heterosexist society as a significant challenge. In this context, they may experience rejection in the form of regular irritating and intrusive questions regarding their family life, and they may also doubt their own parenting competency, as also indicated by further recent studies (e.g., [27,29]). This may be reflected in the offspring's experience.…”

“…Internalized sexual stigma also encourages heteronormativity, promoting the idea that only gender conventionality, heterosexuality, and family traditionalism are "correct" and appropriate for parenthood [25]. In a similar vein, lesbian women may struggle with confronting the heterosexist norms according to which lesbianism and motherhood are incompatible [26,27]. Thus, lesbian intended mothers who also suffer from internalized sexual stigma may experience significant discomfort and stress.…”