Rituals and Adoptive Families

The purpose of this study was to discover the type of rituals utilized by adoptive families to welcome a child into their home. Family members obtain a sense of identity through the enactment of rituals. Forming family identity is especially important to the adoption process. This study examined the types and amount of rituals reported by 20 adoptive couples. The top five most helpful rituals were obtained. The rituals were then divided up into categories. The results of this study found that patterned interaction rituals are used most often and are most helpful in welcoming an adoptive child. Family traditions and family celebration rituals followed in their usage and helpfulness