PhD | PhD in Experimental Psychology

Experience in LGBT2SQ research

Although there has now been extensive research done on lesbian and gay step-families, much of the literature has focused on the psychological well being of the children involved (Lassiter, Dew, Newton, Hays, & Yarbrough, 2006). Another recent direction of research has compared lesbian and gay step-families to heterosexual step-families. More specifically, how this family composition compares to Cherlin’s (1978) model of an “˜incomplete institution’ (Hall & Kitson, 2000). A number of the issues that have previously been identified as unique to lesbian relationships (in comparison to heterosexual step-families) involve both legal recognition of the relationship, as well as social acceptance of the relationship (e.g. custody issues, stigmatization from institutions, acceptance of extended family, social support). Much of this research has been carried out in the United States where there is little legalization of marriage of same-sex couples. In 2001, Statistics Canada reported that there were a total of 34,200 same sex couples in Canada. Of these couples, 15% of female couples and 3% of male couples reported having children living in their homes (The Daily, October 22, 2001). Since then, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that the marriage of same-sex couples is in fact constitutional. Considering that the prevalence of same sex couples in Canada, and the continued debate regarding the topic, it is essential to determine if 1) the issues that are seen to be unique to lesbian step-families are also identified by lesbian step-families in Canada and 2) is this legalization thought to have impacted the variables that are seen as unique to lesbian step-families in the United states. My current research is focusing on these very questions.

The Effects of Legality and Type of Family on Parental Stress for Lesbian Mothers

Does He and He Go Together? The Impact of Non Schematic Information on Reading Speed

Interest in LGBT2SQ research

Although there has now been extensive research done on lesbian and gay step-families, much of the literature has focused on the psychological well being of the children involved (Lassiter, Dew, Newton, Hays, & Yarbrough, 2006). Another recent direction of research has compared lesbian and gay step-families to heterosexual step-families. More specifically, how this family composition compares to Cherlin’s (1978) model of an “˜incomplete institution’ (Hall & Kitson, 2000). A number of the issues that have previously been identified as unique to lesbian relationships (in comparison to heterosexual step-families) involve both legal recognition of the relationship, as well as social acceptance of the relationship (e.g. custody issues, stigmatization from institutions, acceptance of extended family, social support). Much of this research has been carried out in the United States where there is little legalization of marriage of same-sex couples. In 2001, Statistics Canada reported that there were a total of 34,200 same sex couples in Canada. Of these couples, 15% of female couples and 3% of male couples reported having children living in their homes (The Daily, October 22, 2001). Since then, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that the marriage of same-sex couples is in fact constitutional. Considering that the prevalence of same sex couples in Canada, and the continued debate regarding the topic, it is essential to determine if 1) the issues that are seen to be unique to lesbian step-families are also identified by lesbian step-families in Canada and 2) is this legalization thought to have impacted the variables that are seen as unique to lesbian step-families in the United states. My current research is focusing on these very questions.

The Effects of Legality and Type of Family on Parental Stress for Lesbian Mothers

Does He and He Go Together? The Impact of Non Schematic Information on Reading Speed