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Higher Levels of Postnatal Depressive Symptomatology, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Life Satisfaction among Gay Fathers through Surrogacy in Comparison to Heterosexual Fathers: A Study in Israel in Times of COVID-19

Author

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  • Geva Shenkman

    (Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya 4610101, Israel)

  • Sigal Levy

    (Statistical Education Unit, The Academic College of Tel Aviv—Yaffo, Yaffo 61083, Israel)

  • Ziv Ben-Dor Winkler

    (School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv—Yaffo, Yaffo 61083, Israel)

  • Doriel Bass

    (School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv—Yaffo, Yaffo 61083, Israel)

  • Shulamit Geller

    (School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv—Yaffo, Yaffo 61083, Israel)

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the psychological welfare, as indicated by postnatal depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction, and posttraumatic growth (growth after contending with stressful birth events), of Israeli gay fathers through surrogacy in comparison to heterosexual fathers. For that purpose, a sample of 167 Israeli fathers ( M = 35.6, SD = 4.4) was recruited (68 identified as gay fathers through surrogacy and 99 as heterosexual fathers). Participants completed questionnaires assessing their postnatal depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction, and sense of posttraumatic growth after becoming fathers. Results indicated that gay fathers through surrogacy reported higher levels of life satisfaction and posttraumatic growth than heterosexual fathers. Yet, gay fathers also reported higher levels of postnatal depressive symptomatology than heterosexual fathers when life satisfaction or posttraumatic growth values were low or medium. The findings were interpreted in light of the hardships associated with cross-border surrogacy and the psychological outcomes associated with succeeding to become fathers after contending with them. The study contributes to the limited literature on postnatal depressive symptomatology and posttraumatic growth among gay fathers through surrogacy and provides clinicians and policymakers with relevant information on the psychological strengths and potential difficulties associated with cross-border surrogacy among gay fathers.

Suggested Citation

  • Geva Shenkman & Sigal Levy & Ziv Ben-Dor Winkler & Doriel Bass & Shulamit Geller, 2022. "Higher Levels of Postnatal Depressive Symptomatology, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Life Satisfaction among Gay Fathers through Surrogacy in Comparison to Heterosexual Fathers: A Study in Israel in Times," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7946-:d:850966
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eriona Thartori & Concetta Pastorelli & Flavia Cirimele & Chiara Remondi & Maria Gerbino & Emanuele Basili & Ainzara Favini & Carolina Lunetti & Irene Fiasconaro & Gian Vittorio Caprara, 2021. "Exploring the Protective Function of Positivity and Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy in Time of Pandemic COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-19, December.
    2. Geva Shenkman & Dorit Segal-Engelchin & Orit Taubman–Ben-Ari, 2022. "What We Know and What Remains to Be Explored about LGBTQ Parent Families in Israel: A Sociocultural Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Hatzenbuehler, M.L. & McLaughlin, K.A. & Keyes, K.M. & Hasin, D.S., 2010. "The impact of institutional discrimination on psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: A prospective study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(3), pages 452-459.
    4. Carol Ryff & Burton Singer, 2008. "Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 13-39, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dorit Segal-Engelchin & Orit Taubman-Ben-Ari, 2023. "Editorial: Health and Well-Being Related to New Family Forms: Perspectives of Adults, Couples, Children, and Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-8, April.

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