Female adoptees' perceptions of contact with their birth fathers: Satisfactions and dissatisfactions with the process.

Abstract

Qualitative data were analyzed to identify factors associated with adoptees' satisfactions or dissatisfactions in their contact experiences with their birth fathers. Participants were 17 women who had been adopted prior to 2 years of age and had subsequently met their birth fathers. All women completed a questionnaire and 7 also took part in a semistructured interview. Four main themes were identified that affected satisfaction with contact: birth fathers' attributes and behavior, adoptees' attributes (e.g., expectations), behavior of others (e.g., birth mother, birth father's family, and adoptive parents), and circumstances of the conception and relinquishment. The implications of these findings for members of the adoption triangle and those providing postadoption services are discussed.

Parenting concepts and experiences of adults abandoned as infants

“…Yet, these adults who were abandoned as infants and raised as adopted children rarely have any thoughts or conceptions of their biological father. This finding seemingly differs from studies of adopted adults generally (Passmore & Chipuer, 2009). There are mixed recollections of their adoptive families.…”

“…The majority approach parenthood and even grandparenthood with eagerness for the most part, yet, few report that having a child was too much of a challenge and, for whatever reason, do not have children of their own. The importance of being genetically connected to another person or identifying similar physical features has also been emphasised by adopted children who have not been abandoned (Passmore & Chipuer, 2009;Modell, 1997). This may suggest the importance of biological heritage with regard to adoption generally rather than just abandonment.…”

“…When reunions do occur, a biological link or having similar features has been shown to be one of most important aspects to adult adoptees (Modell, 1997). Passmore and Chipuer (2009) found female adult adoptees that are similar to their birth father in terms of physical attributes or personality traits expressed more positive contact experiences. These, however, did not always occur since how favourably the birth father viewed contact was also linked with positive reunion experiences.…”

“…The interaction between the birth mother and birth father was also highlighted as being important. If the birth father had treated the birth mother poorly the adoptees tended to feel worse about their birth father and the reunion (Passmore & Chipuer, 2009). Modell (1997) found adoptees were more likely to accept a model of friendship or extended-family kinship with their birth parents than a parenthood model although some adoptees no longer were interested in further contact with their birth parents after the first meeting.…”

Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Couples in Open Adoption Arrangements: A Qualitative Study

“…It may further reflect a need for adoption professionals to provide specific education concerning the role of birth fathers. Greater acknowledgment of and attempts to include the birth father in the adoption process will benefit all members of the adoption triad, insomuch as children ultimately desire information about both of their birth parents (Hollenstein et al, 2003; Passmore & Chipuer, 2009) and both birth mothers and birth fathers may desire reassurance that their birth children are alive and well (Freeark et al). Practitioners should be encouraged to help adoptive parents to create a “mental space” for birth fathers during both the pre‐ and post‐adoptive periods.…”