Perception of Adoption as Social Stigma: Motivation for Search and Reunion

This article examines the link between adoption reunion and perception of adoption as social stigma. That link emerges from the accounts of 60 reunited adult adoptees who responded to an open-ended interview questionnaire on reunion outcome. The respondents reported discrimination from others who questioned their unknown biological kinship ties. Their perception of self as more socially acceptable after reunion correlates with their view of their adoptive status as social stigma. The article concludes with a recommendation for further examination of adoptive status as a major factor in adoption, search, and reunion outcome.