The primal wound : exploring the experience of individuals adopted as children

Abstract

This dissertation explores the psychosocial life of a sample of adoptees. A qualitative study approach was adopted, and through in-depth interviews of six individuals, the author investigates the lives of these adoptees by focusing on various facets, namely: criminality & delinquency; medical/psychiatric/psychological history; the lived experience of adoption; interpersonal relationships; identity; parental styles; as well as family dynamics. The results of this study show that the adoptees in this sample share an intra-psychic wound which is observable in their life experiences and characteristics. Some of these include: psychological problems like guilt, anxiety and lack of trust; delinquency problems like lying and skiving school, the search for identity, and relationship and friendships problems. Moreover the results obtained in this study, give an understanding of what helped the individual which would include parental support, and what hindered the adoptee for instance discrimination. An understanding of the adoptee can lead to a better preparation scheme when parents opt to adopt, which ultimately benefits the adopted individual to lead a positive life. Whilst aiming to investigate the life of an adoptee, the author set out to highlight the dire need for increased awareness and future research in this area.