Children's Conception of Adoption: A Preliminary Investigation

Children in Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were interviewed about their knowledge of adoption. An open-ended interview format was used. Results indicated clear developmental trends in children's conceptions of the nature of the adoptive parent-child relationship, the nature of the adoption process, and the motivational basis underlying adoption. Results are discussed within a constructivistic perspective regarding children's acquisition of social knowledge. Implications of the findings for adoption policy and practice are noted.