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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abend, S. M. (1974). Problems of identity: Theoretical and clinical applications. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 43, 606–638.
Abend, S. M. (1995). Identity. In B. E. Moore, & B. D. Fine (Eds.), Psychoanalysis: The major concepts (pp. 471–474). New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Auth, P. J., & Zaret, S. (1986). The search in adoption: A service and a process. Social Casework, 67, 560–568.
Bartholet, E. (1991). Where do Black children belong? The politics of race matching in adoption. University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 139, 1163–1256.
Berry, M. (1991). The practice of open adoption: Findings from a study of 1396 adoptive families. Children and Youth Services Review, 13, 379–395.
Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. New York: Norton.
Erikson, E. H. (1959). Identity and the life cycle: Selected papers by Erik H. Erikson: Vol. 1. Psychological Issues. New York: International Universities Press.
Feigelman, W., & Silverman, A. R. (1983). Chosen children: New patterns of adoptive relationships. New York: Praeger.
Gonyo, B., & Watson, K. W. (1988). Searching in adoption. Public Welfare, Winter, 14–22.
Grotevant, H. (1997). Coming to terms with adoption: The construction of identity from adolescence into adulthood. Adoption Quarterly, 1, 3–27.
Heidegger, M. (1969). Identity and difference. New York: Harper & Row.
Hodges, J., Berger, M., Melzak, S., Oldeschulte, R., Rabb, S., & Salo, F. (1984). Two crucial questions: Adopted children in psychoanalytic treatment. Journal of Child Psychotherapy, 10, 47–56.
Kowal, K. A., & Schilling, K. M. (1985). Adoption through the eyes of adult adoptees. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 55, 354–362.
LeVine, E. S. & Sallee, A. L. (1990). Critical phases among adoptees and their families: Implications for therapy. Child and Adolescent Social Work, 7, 217–232.
March, K. (1997). The dilemma of adoption reunion: Establishing open communication between adoptees and their birth mothers. Family Relations, 46, 99–105.
Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego-identity status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3, 551–558.
Offer, D. (1969). The psychological world of the teenager: A study of normal adolescent boys. New York: Basic Books.
Offer, D., Ostrov, E., & Howard, K. I. (1981). The adolescent: A psychological self-portrait. New York: Basic Books.
Pacheco, F., & Eme, R. (1993). An outcome study of the reunion between adoptees and biological parents. Child Welfare, 72, 53–64.
Preserving African-American families: Position Statement. (1994). Detroit, MI: National Association of Black Social Workers.
Raynor, L. (1980). The adopted child comes of age. London: George Allen and UNWIN.
Sachdev, P. (1992). Adoption reunion and after: A study of the search process and experience of adoptees. Child Welfare, 71, 53–68.
Sants, H. J. (1964). Genealogical bewilderment in children with substitute parents. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 37, 133–141.
Schechter, M. D., & Bertocci, D. (1990). The meaning of the search. In D. M. Brodzinsky, & M. D. Schechter (Eds.), The psychology of adoption (pp. 62–90). New York: Oxford University Press.
Scherick, I. (1983). Adoption and disturbed narcissism: A case illustration of a latency boy. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 31, 487–513.
Sobol, M. P., & Cardiff, J. (1983). A sociopsychological investigation of adult adoptees' search for birth parents. Family Relations, 32, 477–483.
Sorosky, A. D., Baran, A., & Pannor, R. (1984). The adoption triangle. San Antonio, TX: Corona Publishing Co.
Stein, L. M., & Hoopes, J. L. (1985). Identity formation in the adopted adolescent. New York: Child Welfare League of America.
Stone, F. H. (1972). Adoption and identity. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 3, 120–128.
Triiseliotis, J. (1973). In search of origins: The experiences of adopted people. Boston: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Winkler, R. C., & Midford, S. M. (1986). Biological identity in adoption, artificial insemination by donor (A.I.D.) and the new birth technologies. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 11, 43–48.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
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
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025163912090