Tag: McLaughlin M

Makenzie McLaughlin

Same-sex Couples Adopting and Raising Children

In American society, many individuals perceive two heterosexual parents as the ideal family type. Same-sex couples may face more setbacks than heterosexual couples in attempting to adopt and raise children, since they may not be perceived as the ideal parents. Same-sex couples who want to adopt may need to provide evidence that they are as qualified to be good parents as are heterosexual couples. Researchers have found, however, that same-sex couples who adopt may actually have a positive impact on their children, themselves, and the community in which they reside. This presentation reviews four recurring research themes regarding same-sex couples who adopt children. First, same-sex couples experience similar stress to heterosexual couples during pre- and post-adoption. Second, the community in which the same-sex couples reside may perceive the couples positively, neutrally, or negatively. Third, males and females, in general, may perceive same-sex couples differently than heterosexual couples; males may more often perceive same-sex couple adoption in a negative light than do females. Fourth, some individuals may believe that children of same-sex parents will automatically grow up to become gay or lesbian, like their parents. Future directions are reviewed, including the need for longitudinal studies following children of same-sex parents in adulthood.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Makenzie McLauglin

How General Practitioners can Communicate with Patients who have Symptoms of Depression

People across the globe know that depression exists to some extent, but those who do have depression are still afraid to talk about it in public or to their general practitioner. Studies have shown that campaigns can be helpful to an individual if it addresses the problem to the individual’s close family or friends. Once the family or friend see’s the campaign and speaks to the individual while showing their concern, the individual might be moved enough to go see their general practitioner. To be able to help their patient, the general practitioner must be knowledgeable on how to speak to the patient about depression, and how to asses them effectively. The practitioner could ask their patient to take a survey that could help them diagnose the patient’s extent of depression and how to treat it effectively. This paper can help people on both sides of the conversation know how to give a positive feedback about depression.

COMM 207 Special Topics: Health Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room

1 – 3 PM