Adults Who Were Adopted Contacting Their Birthmothers: What Are the Outcomes, and What Factors Influence These Outcomes?
In the present study, adults (n = 90) who were adopted were surveyed about their contact experience and the types of relationships formed with their birthmothers as a result of the contact experience. Results showed that the majority of participants evaluated the contact experience as a positive experience and had established satisfactory relationships with their birthmothers. Participants who were not satisfied with the relationship with their birthmothers referred to a lack of interest on the part of the birthmother, discrepancies in lifestyle and values, and secrecy as reasons for their dissatisfaction. The general evaluation of the contact experience was predicted by the closeness established between the participant and the birthmother. Attachment to adoptive mother and resentment toward birthmother did not predict the outcome for the contact experience. © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Related Subject Headings
- Social Work
- 48 Law and legal studies
- 44 Human society
- 18 Law and Legal Studies
- 16 Studies in Human Society
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Social Work
- 48 Law and legal studies
- 44 Human society
- 18 Law and Legal Studies
- 16 Studies in Human Society