Adoption in contemporary India: Insights from the lived experiences of adoptive mothers

Adoption is a profound and life-changing decision that offers families the opportunity to grow in unique and meaningful ways. In India, adoptive mothers face distinctive emotional, psychological, and societal experiences that can shape their adoption journey. However, there is limited research exploring the inner experiences of adoptive mothers, which hinders the development of informed policies and support mechanisms tailored to their needs.

This study aimed to explore the inner experiences of women who have adopted a child in India, providing valuable insights for improving the adoption process and enhancing the wellbeing of adoptive mothers.

This study employed a qualitative research methodology, with purposive sampling used to select three participants from Indian adoption support communities, specifically for and of heart babies and the People's Group for Child Adoption in India. Data collection took place between May and June 2024 through in-depth, semistructured interviews. The data were subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights.

Five key themes emerged from the participants' narratives: (i) Adoption processes and challenges, (ii) emotional processing and wellbeing, (iii) family dynamics and support, (iv) personal values and beliefs, and (v) societal and cultural influence. The findings highlighted that these experiences align with the 4Ps of Psychopathology and the biopsychosocial model, underscoring how psychological and social factors can act as precipitating and perpetuating influences on adoptive mothers' mental and physical wellbeing.

The study emphasizes the need for psychologists, policymakers, and sociologists to consider these findings when designing interventions.