An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of an Open Adoption Experience and Its Impact on Identity Formation during Adolescence

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Acknowledgement

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DECLARATION

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Abstract

In this research we try to explore the notion of Open Adoption in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on the impact of adoption experience and its relation with the identity formation of an adoptee. The research also analyzes many aspects of open adoption and tries to gauge its effect on the identity formation of a person during his/her adolescence. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for identity formation and tries to describe the overall effect of open adoption strategies on the life of adolescents.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Rationale2

Aims and Objectives3

Significance of the Study3

Research Questions4

Hypothesis4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

Open Adoption5

Openness and contact after adoption6

Research Design15

Collection of the data16

Analysis of the data17

Analysis of the data using IPA17

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS19

Early experience as an open adoptee19

The emotional challenges and identity formation20

Adulthood and the feelings toward biological parents21

REFERENCES30

APPENDICES35

Chapter 1: Introduction

Open adoption is a process that provides an ongoing relationship between the biological family, the adoptive family, and the adoptee. A completely open adoption can frequently include extended family members such as siblings as well as birth grandparents. (Auth & Caret 2006, 560-568).

In most adoption cases, the foster family members of the child interact with the birth parents in ways which they find most comfortable. The most common mode of communication between the adoptee's foster family and the birth parents of the adoptee is through letters, telephone calls, emails and visits too(Adams & Marshall 2006, 429-442).

Communication and interaction frequently alters as a child matures and has more questions to ask regarding his or her adoption and as families' requirements change. It is crucial to note that even in an open adoption, the legal relationship between a birth parent and child is dismembered. Consequently, even the legal relationship that exists between the child and his/her parents is disengaged (Stamps & Hoksbergen 2000, 1025-1037).

Legislation governing adoption was first implemented in England and Wales in 1926 and in Scotland in 1930. Initially, legislation was designed to give a statutory basis to adoption, to confirm the rights of adopters and birth parents and to identify the conditions under which courts could make adoption orders. Government Committees, which informed the shape of the statutory framework, pointed out that secrecy was not necessary or beneficial for adults and children involved in adoption (Adams & Marshall 2006, ...