Family Context and Searching Among Internationally Adopted Adolescents

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Searching is the term used to describe the phenomenon wherein an adoptee attempts to find their family of origin. Search rates vary by study, but not all adopted people consider searching. Previous research has explored personal attributes, descriptive characteristics, and some familial contextual factors that may contribute to the desire to search. However, the literature on searching is limited, dated, and has not focused on international or adolescent adoptees. The current study provides a newer understanding of the family context and its relation to searching among internationally adopted adolescents through secondary data analysis and a Systems framework. Results indicated that no relation exists between family ecology variables and the adoptee’s desire to search. This aligns with more current research that suggests searching is a normative process of identity development and does not reflect pathological functioning of the adoptee or adoptive family. Limitations and considerations for future research are discussed