Adopted Persons' Search for and Contact with Their Birth Parents II

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents a review of empirical research on adult adoptees' contact with their birth parents. First, we will examine research concerning the stages and timing of search, the first meeting between adoptee and birth parent, the type of relationships that are established, and the factors that influence the adoptee-birth parent relationship. Next, we will summarize research that has examined how the contact affects adoptees. Finally, we will discuss research that has addressed the issue of how the contact affects the relationship between adoptees and adoptive parents. Implications of the empirical findings for adoption practice will be outlined.