Transracial Adoptees: The Search for Birth Family and the Search for Self

Abstract

Abstract This study explored how transracial adoptees with different experiences in search and reunion with their birth families varied in ethnic identity and other aspects of their lives. Participants, 109 transracial adoptees (aged 18 to 37), completed an online survey that asked about demographic background, contact history and search interest, ethnic identity, and psychological adjustment. Results showed that ethnic identity varied across different search and contact groups, but psychological adjustment did not. Eleven respondents also participated in semi-structured interviews. They described the complexities of searching and contact and the challenges of connecting with both their adoptive and birth communities. KEYWORDS: transracial adoptionsearch and reunionbirth familiesidentity