The Adoption Trauma Spectrum: A Lifespan Issue Affecting Individuals Adopted at Birth

Background and Purpose: The mental health impact of adoption for individuals adopted at birth remains underexplored in social work research. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the relationship between adoption, trauma, and mental health, challenging the belief that adoption at birth is inherently seamless and trauma-free. The research introduces a new framework, the Adoption Trauma Spectrum, which posits that adoption can be traumatic for some and is often a dynamic process that evolves over time.

This study examines how early adoption affects identity formation, emotional well-being, social integration, and relationships in adulthood. We explore key life events within the adoption trajectory such as separation at birth, the discovery of adoption, adolescence, parenthood, first family reunion, and the death of adoptive or birth parents. These events were analyzed for their potential effects on adoptees' mental health and emotional development. Additionally, the study identifies protective factors that may reduce adoption-related trauma and improve long-term mental health.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Survey results showed that the majority of respondents reported experiencing emotional distress during reunion with birth families and moderate to severe identity confusion related to their identity as an adopted person, especially during adolescence. Protective factors such as a strong sense of belonging within the adoptive family, no history of substance use, and good overall health were linked to better mental health outcomes.

Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo. Two researchers independently coded initial transcripts while checking for inter-coder reliability. Disagreements were resolved through discussion. Three primary themes emerged: identity formation, adoption trauma, and resilience. Many participants described adoption as a lifelong journey of self-discovery or a process of evolution. Key life events like adolescence, reunion, and the death of a parent were identified as contributing factors to increased distress. Participants with strong family relationships, an organic sense of belonging in their adoptive family, and openness about their adoption indicated increased resiliency, suggesting that emotional support and family cohesion act as protective factors against trauma.

Results: The integration of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis indicates that adoption at birth can lead to long-term trauma, particularly during key life transitions. However, protective factors such as strong family support, health stability, and openness about adoption can mitigate this trauma and improve emotional well-being. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions and support systems for adopted individuals to prevent the onset of prolonged trauma and minimize disruptions in identity formation.

Conclusions and Implications: Overall, the study supports the thesis that adoption at birth is linked to adoption-related trauma and highlights the importance of protective factors. This research contributes to a broader initiative in which future research should continue to explore adoption-related mental health among this population to develop preventative measures for providers and adoptive families and proactive interventions for adoptive individuals, leading to healthier outcomes for adopted people and their families.