Reconsider the triangle: Effects of birth parents’ communicative practices on Chinese hidden children’s identification with family of origin

Abstract

Employing the theoretical approach of discourse dependence, the present study investigates the effects of birth parents’ communicative practices upon Chinese hidden children’s identification with family of origin before and after family reunification. Semi-structured interviews with 10 hidden children presented a birth parent-centered triangle of communication among birth parents, hidden children, and foster caregivers. The birth parents’ open communication with hidden children and foster caregivers, display of affections, along with the representation of family membership, affected hidden children’s birth family identification. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.