Exploring adoption disclosure through Indian adoptive parents: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: With the increasing rates of adoption and its acceptance in India, the question of whether to tell or not about the adoption to the adoptee always remains. Disclosure is a very important phase in the life of every adoptee and the adoptive parents. Aim: The aim of the study was to learn about the views of adoptive parents about the disclosure, assumed aftermath, and role of social support. Methods: The study used a qualitative research method which included a content analysis as a method of analysis and semi-structured interview method for data collection. The study included 8 Indian adoptive parents. Results: Through the findings, it was observed that there are various consequences that emerge out of the extent of disclosure, motives behind it, preferences, and aids to disclose which was explored in the study. These decisions of disclosure were viewed to be ruled by assumed aftermath by the adoptive parents they were both negative and positive. The need of social support system was highlighted by the participants was said to be playing an important role in the process. Conclusion: Overall findings show the diversity of the preferences, motives, aids to divulge and assumed aftermath thus providing scope for further exploration with the Indian adoptive parents and impact of the disclosure on adoptees.