Same sex families' resilience processes associated with family identity

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the risk- and protective factors to the family identity experienced by same sex family systems, as well as the resilience processes implemented by these family systems. It forms part of a broader study, and aimed to provide additional information in order to support researchers, health care practitioners, and family therapists in working with same sex family systems. Secondary data analysis was conducted on 21 transcribed interviews, which included 14 lesbian, 4 gay, 1 bisexual, and 12 child participants living in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces. Risk and protective factors were found within the individual, family, and community contexts. Resilience processes identified from the family resilience framework were clarity in communication, open emotional expression, positive outlook, meaning making through adversity, flexibility and connectedness.