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The postadoption experience of surrendering parents
Eva Y Deykin1, Lee Campbell2, Patricia Patti2
1Department of Maternal and Child Health.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Relinquishing a child for adoption impacts adult life adjustment, with surveyed birthparents reporting long-term negative effects on marriage, fertility, and parenting. This study highlights the need for better adoption support and policy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Adoption Studies
Background:
- Adoption is a significant life event with potential long-term psychological and social consequences for birthparents.
- Previous research has explored various aspects of the adoption experience, but the specific impact on subsequent life adjustment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of relinquishing a child for adoption on adult life adjustment.
- To understand how adoption experiences influence key life domains such as marital satisfaction, fertility, and parenting.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 334 individuals, primarily members of Concerned United Birthparents.
- The survey assessed participants' perceptions of the influence of child relinquishment on their subsequent life adjustment.
Main Results:
- Respondents perceived relinquishing a child for adoption as having a protracted negative influence on their lives.
- Specific areas of negative impact included marriage, fertility, and parenting experiences.
Conclusions:
- Child relinquishment for adoption can have lasting adverse effects on birthparents' life adjustment.
- Findings suggest implications for improving adoption practices and policies to better support birthparents.