The experience of adoption : an adult adoptee perspective

Abstract

Research is lacking in terms of a resilience or strength-based perspective of the adoptee and the adoptive family. Miall and March (2000) argue that the focus on the negatives and limitations of adoption have resulted in the idea that adoption is a problematic family form rather than the successful family form that it is. Therefore, the main focus of this study was to explore in-depth experiences of adult adoptees living in Malta, using a family systems perspective as a theoretical framework. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six adoptees aged 18 or over. The transcripts were then analysed with an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Six superordinate themes along with further subordinate themes were drawn out from the data. These included: the adoption story, psychological effects, the adoptive family, the biological family, an adoptee’s life in Malta and the adoption in itself as a process and a system. Adoptees have interpreted their experiences both positively and negatively, with the theme of resilience being evident in their experiences. The aim of this qualitative research was to give a voice to adoptees on their experiences and views on adoption, with particular reference to the local context.