Exploring the competence of families of the same-sex couples

The research focuses particularly on two important areas lacking from the existing literature: variables promoting perseverance in same-sex parented families; as well as health and wellbeing results for same-sex couples who experience separation, such as the negotiation of joint custody arrangements post-separation. The present article seeks to give a thorough review of the design and methodology of this longitudinal research and evaluate its relevance. The work, love, play research is a mixed format, three wave, longitudinal controlled trial of same-sex interested parents. The sample comprises lesbian, gay, bisexual as well as transgender families in Australia and New Zealand caring for any kids under the age of 18 years. The research will be performed over six years from 2008 to 2014. Quantitative data are to be gathered through three on-line questionnaires in 2008, 2010 and 2012 from the cohort of parents recruited in Wave. Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews with purposively chosen subsamples in 2012 and 2013. Data collecting started in 2008 and 355 participants to Wave One of the research have consented to participate in future polls. Work is now ongoing to expand this sample size. The methodology and survey tools are discussed. This research will make an essential addition to the current research on the same parented households.