'What Does Donor Mean to a Four-Year-Old?': Initial Insights into Young Children's Perspectives in Solo Mother Families.
Published version
Peer-reviewed
Repository URI
Repository DOI
Change log
Authors
Zadeh, Sophie
Freeman, Tabitha https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2919-8105
Golombok, Susan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1623-2693
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
1099-0860
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher DOI
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (097857/Z/11/Z)
Wellcome Trust (Grant ID: 097857/Z/11/Z)