Sources of Identity Uncertainty for Adult Adopted Individuals

Adopted individuals sometimes grapple with questions about how they see themselves, their relational roles, and their understanding of family. Not only are they expected to construct their identity as a part of their adoptive family, but they must also attend to the complexities that adoption adds to their identity construction and management. This study examines narratives of adopted individuals describing the ways in which they experience identity uncertainty and identity gaps. Interviews with 22 adult adopted individuals (yielding from a US based sample) were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results indicated themes reflecting the presence of identity uncertainty for adopted individuals due to: (1) unknown birth family information and birth family ambiguity, (2) differentiation from adoptive family, and (3) the expected self vs. true self. In addition, results indicated that identity gaps reflect inconsistencies or discrepancies in how adopted individuals attempt to balance competing aspects of their identity. This study furthers current literature about adoption and identity to include ways adoption is reflected within every aspect of the adopted individuals’ sense of self. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.