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.
