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The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial bi-directional relationship between the behavior of the adoptee and that of the adoptive mother surrounding adoptee grief and loss. Using a qualitative interview approach, 15 mothers were asked to discuss their own coping strategies, as well as the strategies they witnessed their adoptive children use. The results indicated that both adoptees and adoptive mothers struggle with ambiguous loss. Through an attempt to cope, adoptive mothers share an intense, complicated desire to "fix" both their own difficulties, as well as those of their adoptive children. While 71.4% of these mothers sought outside support, they also then shared a deep, strong connection with their adopted children. Utilizing these results, social workers may be able to more effectively understand which coping strategies to target, and how to best facilitate proper services, interventions, and referrals when working with adoption constellation members.
Advisor: | Potts, Marilyn |
Commitee: | |
School: | California State University, Long Beach |
School Location: | United States -- California |
Source: | MAI 49/01M, Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Social work, Counseling Psychology |
Keywords: | |
Publication Number: | 1486442 |
ISBN: | 978-1-124-24239-2 |