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Evolution and resolution: Birthmothers' experience of grief and loss at different levels of adoption openness

University of Houston-Downtown, henneys{at}uhd.edu

Susan Ayers-Lopez

University of Texas at Austin

Ruth G. McRoy

University of Texas at Austin

Harold D. Grotevant

University of Minnesota

This article explores birthmothers' experiences of grief and loss over time across the continuum of openness in adoption. Data were collected by structured interview at two points in time: 4—12 years postplacement (169 birthmothers) and 12—20 years postplacement (127 birthmothers). At Wave 1 a majority of the birthmothers were experiencing moderate to high degrees of grief. However, by Wave 2 a similar majority reported feeling some or no feelings of grief. Birthmothers in fully disclosed adoptions tended to have lower levels of grief than those in confidential adoptions at Wave 2. Overall, the results suggest that the "right amount" of openness for a birthmother may change over the life course. Implications for practice are discussed.

Key Words: adoption • birthmother • grief • loss • openness • openness in adoption

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 24, No. 6, 875-889 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407507084188


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