| This study examined the relationship between gay identity development and parental sense of competence in gay fathers and was informed by identity theory and Cass' model of gay identity development. A self selected sample of 86 gay fathers completed the Gay Identity Questionnaire, Parental Sense of Competence scale, and demographic questionnaire. Findings indicated that contrary to prediction, gay identity development was not significantly related to parental sense of competence in gay fathers; however, findings when using an alternative scoring method suggested that fathers in Stage 6 of gay identity development, i.e. identity synthesis, could be differentiated into two groups of deep versus light immersion into identity synthesis. The alternative scoring method was based on obtaining a discrepancy score, i.e. the arithmetic difference between the respondents' two most endorsed stage levels. Use of the two highest stages provided a measurement of the degree to which an individual was immersed in their current stage of gay identity development by accounting for the range of development across and within these stage levels. A positive correlation was found between deep immersion in identity synthesis and both parental sense of competence and parental satisfaction. Neither, deep nor light immersion in identity synthesis was correlated with parental efficacy. A significant positive correlation was found between number of adopted children and both parental sense of competence and parental satisfaction but not parental efficacy. Interpretation of findings and implications for social work theory are presented, including a proposed addition to Cass' stage model called Identity Mutualism, whereby the established gay identity and parent identity mutually benefit each other and are subsequently dually enhanced. Additional implications for social work education, policy, practice, and research are also presented. |
