Search

Even though adoption is considered to be the best form of childcare for children without parental care, it should also be borne in mind that the adoption process brings forth some specific challenges for the adopted children to face. Depending on the experiences which preceded the beginning of the adoption process, some of the fundamental challenges that follow the beginning of the adoption process are the act of separation from the biological parents of the children, the experience of loss and of separation anxiety, having troubles forming a healthy attachment style to the new parent fi e and any identity issues that could emerge. This research paper will follow the different theoretical and empirical knowledge about what can aff the shaping of the social and individual identity of the adopted child, especially during adolescence and puberty. One of the primary focuses of this research paper will be the international transethnic adoption, because with this kind of adoption identity confusion is much more common, as the physical and cultural differences between the adopter and adoptee are conspicuous. Furthermore, the adoptees oftentimes experience prejudices and discrimination as a product of their surroundings during the transethnic adoption process. In this research paper, it is also noted that adopted children develop their identity through the integration of their past and present experiences and they need an understanding and supportive environment to do so. Those children who have adopted a secure attachment model in their relationship with their adoptive parents and have openly discussed the topic of their biological parents and adoption have more success in creating a positive image of themselves and their identity. The conclusion of the paper mentions how important it is for the adoptees to have a source of both formal support and the support of their adoptive parents in the process of fi themselves and their identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]