Research Study 1
Children raised by female same-sex parents are just as healthy emotionally and physically as children raised by different sex parents, according to a study by University of Amsterdam scientists. The researchers examined data from 95 female same-sex parents and 95 different-sex parents, all with no history of family instability, discontinuity, or transitions. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of spouse or partner relationships, parent child relationship or in the children’s general health, emotional difficulties, coping behaviors and their learning behaviors. Findings did show that lesbian parents seemed to exhibit higher levels of parenting stress, which the authors suggested may be related to perceived homophobia (Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, April 2016).

Research Study 2
Therapists are less likely to offer appointments to black and working class patients than to white, middle class ones, according to research published in June in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. The researcher left voice mail messages for 320 psychotherapists in New York City, requesting a weekday evening appointment. The messages left by actors who used varied vocabulary, grammar, accents, and names to suggest the callers’ race and social class. Among the middle-class callers, 28 percent of whites were offered appointments by but only 17 percent of blacks. Of the working class callers, only 8 percent both black and white appointment seekers were offered a spot/call back. This is important for all to know since black and working class citizens are seeking help actively and are not receiving help due to discrimination. This is a huge concern for our society and service providers that have vowed to help all people seeking help and needing help!

Susie Bean Gives Team