Adoptees' relationship experiences post-reunion: exploring the effects of interactions with biological relatives
Paper
Paper/Presentation Title | Adoptees' relationship experiences post-reunion: exploring the effects of interactions with biological relatives |
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Presentation Type | Paper |
Authors | Passmore, Nola (Author), Foulstone, Alexis (Author) and Feeney, Judith (Author) |
Editors | Wilkinson, Ross and Pearce, Zoe |
Journal or Proceedings Title | Australian Journal of Psychology |
Journal Citation | 58 (S1), pp. 49-55 |
Number of Pages | 7 |
Year | 2006 |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
Place of Publication | Oxford, United Kingdom |
ISSN | 0004-9530 |
1742-9536 | |
ISBN | 0909881316 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530600940020 |
Web Address (URL) of Paper | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00049530600940015 |
Conference/Event | 6th Annual Conference of the APS Psychology of Relationships Interest Group: Relationships Near and Far |
Event Details | 6th Annual Conference of the APS Psychology of Relationships Interest Group: Relationships Near and Far Event Date 11 to end of 12 Nov 2006 Event Location Melbourne, Australia |
Abstract | Recent changes in adoption legislation and practice have provided adoptees with greater opportunities to search and be reunited with birth relatives. A thorough understanding of the relationship experiences an adoptee may encounter post-reunion is critical for counsellors seeking to provide support for adoptees during these search and reunion experiences. This paper examines the relationship benefits and difficulties associated with the broadening social network after a reunion. As part of a larger study, 57 adoptees were interviewed about their adoptive experiences and interpersonal relationships. Thematic analysis revealed several major themes associated with adoptees’ reunions: (a) potential issues in adapting to a new family, (b) difficulties experienced when attempting to negotiate family roles and set boundaries between family members, (c) positive and negative interactions between adoptive and biological families, and (d) benefits and difficulties that can affect significant others (e.g., romantic partners, children). Open communication, compatible personalities, and supportive adoptive parents were factors promoting a beneficial environment for adoptive and biological families post-reunion. Conversely, strong loyalties to the adoptive family, secrecy or withholding information about the reunion, and different needs or expectations of family members created difficulties within the broader social network. Recommendations for adoption practice and counselling will be discussed. |
Keywords | adoptees; birth family; family reunion; birth mother; birth father |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 440301. Family and household studies |
520105. Psychological methodology, design and analysis | |
520399. Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified | |
Byline Affiliations | Department of Psychology |
University of Queensland | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q0520/adoptees-relationship-experiences-post-reunion-exploring-the-effects-of-interactions-with-biological-relatives
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