The development of a model and measure of adoptee identity

The objective of this study was to develop a model of adoptee identity development and change. Further using the model, to develop a measure of adoptee identity which was psychometrically sound. Following review of the general identity literature the concept of adoptee identity was discussed. Factors such as self esteem, decision to search, relationship with adoptive parents and circumstances of adoptive status disclosure were identified from the adoption literature as related to adoptee identity. The components of adoptee identity were defined and an overall model of adoptee identity was outlined. The adoption literature suggested two alternative forms of this model of adoptee identity and these were called the credulous model and the sceptical model. Using the model, the development of an adoptee identity measure was commenced. The measure was developed following the stages of test construction as outlined by Crocker and Algina (1986). The project was divided into three stages. Study one used a reunion study of 87 adult adoptees recruited via Adoption Jigsaw, W.A. to pilot test a 25 item identity measure based on discussion groups, and literature review. Four factors: Biological Identity, Alienation, Genealogical Concern and Curiosity were found. In Study two these items were expanded to 52 items and were used in a national study of 943 adult adoptees recruited from two sources: Jigsaw/Triangle state groups