Abstract
A review of theoretical, clinical, and empirical literature was conducted regarding the effect of adoptee dissimilarity from the adoptive family. There is empirical evidence of a relationship between dissimilarity and searching for birth parents, satisfaction with the adoption, and adjustment. A theory of an effect of identity-seeking on searching by adoptees has also been formulated. It is suggested, therefore, that an effort to establish one's identity may mediate a relationship between adoptee dissimilarity and searching. Implications are presented for social work practice and research, and for public policy and education, in instances of same race and transracial adoption.
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Hollingsworth, L.D. Adoptee Dissimilarity from the Adoptive Family: Clinical Practice and Research Implications. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 15, 303–319 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025163912090
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025163912090