The experience of adoption and its relationship with identity formation in adults.

Abstract

This thesis qualitatively investigated the experiences of identity and self-esteem development in adopted adults in relation to adoption communication, birth family searching and contact. The thesis is presented across three papers: 1) a systematic review and meta-ethnography of the literature; 2) an empirical study; 3) a critical appraisal of the research process. Paper one is a systematic review and meta-ethnography of fifteen studies, exploring adopted adults motivations and experiences of birth family searching. A line of argument synthesis developed four overarching themes: missing pieces different and othered the circumscribed position in the adoption triad and internal and external challenges.This offered a novel conceptual framework for understanding birth family searching as the search for self. The main findings illustrated the complexity of searching, that is inherently linked to identity. Relational dynamics and internal and external challenges are also implicit to the process. Practice implications include, psychological support embedded within contact services. Also recommended for mental health practitioners is specialised training in contemporary adoption issues. Paper two is a qualitative study investigating adoption communication and birth family contact, and how these two factors may influence identity and self-esteem in an opportunity sample of 15 adopted adults. Utilising reflexive thematic analysis, three core themes were developed with ten corresponding subthemes: 1) Adoption experienced as relational trauma, 2) The relational dynamics of the triad and, 3) Lacking and gaining control. The results illustrated the importance of how adoption is communicated, and the salience of birth family contact, as both can impact upon identity and self-esteem development. The importance of considering adoption as a lifelong process was also highlighted. Paper three is a critical appraisal, providing an evaluative reflection on both the systematic review and empirical study. Aspects of the design, implementation and analysis of the papers are reviewed, along with personal reflections of the researcher's experiences are presented.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Peter Taylor (Supervisor) & Adam Danquah (Supervisor)