Mothers’ observations of their transracially adopted children negotiating racial identity
Date
2020
Authors
Pillay, Vireshnie
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Abstract
There is limited research on how parents and specifically mothers experienced adoption, as well as limited research on racial issues in adoption and particularly on the implications of negotiating race during adolescence. The aim of this study was to explore the observations of mothers who had adopted children that were of a different race to themselves, and who were facilitating the negotiation of racial identity during adolescence. Aspects of difference in the families were explored, including the way in which the mothers negotiate racial identity with their children. The study focused on the way in which the mothers observe and experience their children while they negotiate racial identity, and how their children experience growing up in a family of a different culture, heritage, and language that is different from their biological background. Participants were found using the convenience sample method and one hour interviews were conducted. Collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis method. The results in the study concluded that mothers sought out support in the form of other adoptive mothers as well as perceiving support groups to be effective during the facilitation of racial identity negotiation. Furthermore, it was found that adoptive mothers facilitated home environments that were open and accepting, allowing their children to feel understood during their time of adolescence. Interestingly, while the mothers did not intend on adopting more than one child to aid with the negotiation of racial identity, they believed it to be beneficial. The study is believed to bring about a greater understanding of the various issues that occur among transracially adoptive families and can provide more nuanced support and awareness of the potential challenges during adolescence, which is already experienced as a period of existential crisis
Description
A research report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology in the faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020
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Citation
Pillay, Vireshnie. (2019). Mothers' observations of their transracially adopted children negotiating racial identity. University of the Witwatersrand,
https://hdl.handle.net/10539/30646