Adoptees' relationship experiences post-reunion: exploring the effects of interactions with biological relatives

Paper

Passmore, Nola, Foulstone, Alexis and Feeney, Judith. 2006. "Adoptees' relationship experiences post-reunion: exploring the effects of interactions with biological relatives." Wilkinson, Ross and Pearce, Zoe (ed.) 6th Annual Conference of the APS Psychology of Relationships Interest Group: Relationships Near and Far. Melbourne, Australia 11 - 12 Nov 2006 Oxford, United Kingdom . https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530600940020
Paper/Presentation Title

Adoptees' relationship experiences post-reunion: exploring the effects of interactions with biological relatives

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsPassmore, Nola (Author), Foulstone, Alexis (Author) and Feeney, Judith (Author)
EditorsWilkinson, Ross and Pearce, Zoe
Journal or Proceedings TitleAustralian Journal of Psychology
Journal Citation58 (S1), pp. 49-55
Number of Pages7
Year2006
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Place of PublicationOxford, United Kingdom
ISSN0004-9530
1742-9536
ISBN0909881316
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530600940020
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00049530600940015
Conference/Event6th 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.

Keywordsadoptees; birth family; family reunion; birth mother; birth father
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020440301. Family and household studies
520105. Psychological methodology, design and analysis
520399. Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsDepartment of Psychology
University of Queensland
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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