Irhammar, M. (2006). Searching for Biological and Ethnic Origin. 1(12) Searching for Biological and Ethnic Origin in the transition from Adolescence into Young Adulthood. Experiences from a Group of International Adoptees in Sweden

An interview study was made to explore identity development, focusing biological and ethnic origin, in an adolescent group of 181 adoptees in Sweden. In addition self-assessment instruments were used to measure self-esteem and mental health. The adoptees were placed in their adoptive families between 1970 and 1977 through the only Swedish adoption agency at that time. A follow–up was made of the late adolescent group (n=42) eight years later. In the follow-up was also Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) used, and the meaning of the adoptees ’ own parenthood investigated. The results show that the biological family lives in the adoptee’s mind over time, while interest in searching for the family diminishes. Exploration of biological origin can reflect a normal identity development, where the individual search for continuity in his or her life history, but can also be an expression for an unsatisfactory life situation, with lower self-esteem, mental health, and an insecure attachment. A biological child will often complete the adoptees ’ own life history, as they often have little knowledge about their own early childhood. Interest in ethnic origin is more stable over time and not related to a poorer mental health. A Swedish self-identity seems to be unproblematic, while a Non-Swedish identity is associated with a lower self-esteem, mental health, and an insecure attachment. Further the adoptees will encounter situations where they meet the same negative attitudes in the society as ethnic minorities, and over time they develop coping strategies to meet these situations