The development of children of same-sex couples: review of international literature and Italian perspective

The aim of the present study was to review international data present in scientific literature about the development and psychological well-being of children of same-sex couples and to highlight the legal situation of these families in Italy, now that the European Union is requiring their legal recognition. The results of a revision of the literature published in the last 30 years demonstrate that there are no statistically significant differences between children raised by same-sex and heterosexual couples when it comes to their development profile. Studies focusing on the relationships with parents and peers, psycho-socioemotional welfare and cognitive development, school proficiency, sexual orientation and gender identity of children of same-sex couples are reviewed. Methodological weaknesses are presented, with suggestions for further research into this area.