Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Unfinished Journeys: An IPA Study of the Lived Experiences of Adult Satellite Babies
Victoria M Chiu1, Mark B White1, Elizabeth D'Arrigo-Patrick2
1Department of Marriage and Family Sciences, National University, San Diego, California, USA.
Abstract:
Transnational families are becoming more common, although the long-term impact of early childhood separations from biological parents remains unclear. "Satellite babies" (SBs) are Chinese infants born in North America, sent to China for caregiving, and then reunited with their parents. This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) examined the lived experiences of 10 adult SBs to address gaps in attachment theory (AT) and inform culturally sensitive therapeutic practice. IPA's iterative, in-depth approach to thematic data analysis revealed four group experiential themes (GETs): ambiguous loss, fear in relationships then and now, "how I got through it," and change is possible. Results support key tenets from AT and ambiguous loss theory (ALT), including sensitive periods of attachment, adult attachment dimensions, and the "psychological family." Results support negative developmental outcomes while highlighting protective factors like social support. Recommendations for practice include a call for MFTs to include ALT in culturally sensitive assessment and treatment of Chinese SB families.
More Related Videos
10:11Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking IPL: Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism
Published on: December 14, 2012
06:16Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Emerging Adulthood
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Adler's Individual Psychology