Telling My Story: Adult Adoptees\u27 Accounts of their Adoption Entrance Story and Its Impact on Self-Esteem, Family Communication, Cohesion, and Satisfaction

The present qualitative study explored the impact adoption entrance narratives have on family functioning and the psychological well-being of the adopted child, specifically self-esteem, family communication, cohesion, and satisfaction. Personal interviews, ranging from 60-90 minutes, with eleven adult adoptees, ranging in age from 24 to 81, illuminated the dynamic influence of the adoption entrance narrative in their lives. Participants recounted the adoption narrative and shared a myriad of varying emotional and psychological experiences ranging from anxiety, anger, disconnection, rejection, isolation, to being grateful. Adoptees reported a need to gather information about their past suggesting the importance of knowing about their biological roots. The findings of this study suggested that the adoption entrance narrative matters because of its implications on the child’s well-being and relationship with their adoptive parents. Most important is the open and honest disclosure of information related to the adoptee’s birth story and circumstances surrounding their adoption. Without such honesty, communication and connection with the adoptive parents becomes strained and self-esteem is adversely effected