Transracial Adoptees: Searching for Birth Families and Developing Identities

• In Event: Poster Session 20
  In Poster Session: Division E Human Development Poster Session

Abstract

This study focused on transracial adoptees’ interest in searching for their birth families and how that relates to their ethnic identity and other aspects of their lives. Participants were 123 transracial adoptees (ages 18-40). They completed an on-line survey that included questions about their demographic backgrounds, interest in searching and/or contact with birth families, ethnic identity, self-esteem, school performance, and family and social relationships. Twelve respondents also participated in open-ended interviews. Interest in searching varied considerably and was related to ethnic identity development but not to overall social and psychological adjustment. Interviewees talked about the complexities of searching and identity development and some of the barriers they experienced trying to connect with both their adoptive and birth communities.

Authors

• Patricia G. Ramsey, Mount Holyoke College

• Danielle Godon, Mount Holyoke College

• Whitney Green, Mount Holyoke College