{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.02480270574971815, 'fraction_numerical': 0.002254791431792559, 'mean_word_length': 6.219512195121951, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Lesbian adoptive mothers’ emotional responses and adaptation in the wake of relational dissolution

ABSTRACT Relational dissolution is often characterized by heightened feelings, especially around co-parenting and child custody. Lesbian mothers may experience their emotions in uniquely nuanced ways due to intersections among female gender, minority sexual orientation, and family structural change. Framed by a critical feminist perspective, we conducted a qualitative analysis of telephone interview and online survey responses by 17 lesbian adoptive mothers whose relationship ended. Four emotional response patterns emerged – mostly positive, mixed feelings, mostly negative, very negative – corresponding to four adaptation patterns: adapted, improving, stalled, and stuck. We provide implications for individuals, families, and societal change related to LGBTQ divorcing families.