Relationship Quality among Lesbian Mothers in Planned Families

What factors are associated with relationship quality among lesbian mothers in planned families? The purpose of this Internet-based study was to examine correlates of relationship quality among same-sex female couples with children. Participants in this cross-sectional study included 134 mothers who self-identified as lesbian and who currently reside in the United States. All participants were in a committed relationship with another woman, had created families within that relationship, had at least one child under the age of 18 residing in their home, and only one partner from each couple participated. Results indicated that younger maternal age, greater familial social support, less job-family role strain, and more positive sexual identity were related to greater self-reported relationship quality. In addition, mothers who reported greater internal homonegativity and greater sexual identity confusion also reported being more dissatisfied with their current romantic relationship.