Lesbian adoptive mothers' emotional responses and adaptation in the wake of relational dissolution

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.