Philippine E-Journals

Filipino Adoptive Families’ Experiences: A Qualitative Analysis of Disclosure and Adjustment Issues

Maria Caridad H. Tarroja

Discipline: Psychology, Family and Relationships

 

Abstract:

Important adoption issues were explored in this study to have a better understanding of the experiences of adopted children and their respective families. Adoptive mothers answered questions about their adopted children’s reactions to disclosure and the adoptive family’s openness in discussing adoption-related issues. Factors that help them deal with adoption-related issues were identified based on the content analysis of the mothers’ responses. The results showed the importance of family relationships and functioning in the adjustment process of both adopted children and their families. Issues such as acceptance and support of the immediate and extended family members emerged. Adoption openness versus secrecy was also seen as an important factor. Finally, some implications for theory, research, and clinical practice were discussed.