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'What Does Donor Mean to a Four-Year-Old?': Initial Insights into Young Children's Perspectives in Solo Mother Families.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Zadeh, Sophie 

Abstract

This study reports on the questions, thoughts and feelings of children aged 4-9 conceived by donor insemination to single mothers. Fifty-one mothers and 47 children from the same families were each administered a semi-structured interview. Mothers generally reported that while children either lack understanding, or have not yet been told, about their donor conception, they may be thinking and talking about the absence of a father. Most children did not mention either donor conception or father absence and reported positive feelings about their families and friendships. Possible explanations for the discrepancy between mothers' and children's reports are discussed.

Description

Keywords

children's perspectives, donor conception, father absence, solo mother

Journal Title

Child Soc

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0951-0605
1099-0860

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (097857/Z/11/Z)
Wellcome Trust (Grant ID: 097857/Z/11/Z)