Childlessness among adopted women: A study of the role of attachment through Bird’s Nest Drawings

Abstract

Adopted adults are presented in the literature as having a more insecure attachment than the general population. They are also less likely to want to have children of their own, which is significant in that studies have shown that attachment is an important determinant of the desire for parenthood. The aim of the present study was to link these two findings and seek a better understanding of the role of attachment in adoptees’ choice of childlessness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven nulliparous adopted women who did not wish to have children; during these interviews they also undertook the Bird’s Nest Drawing (BND) test. This allows access to participants’ parental representations in addition to measuring their attachment. Analysis of the drawings and associated stories suggested that insecure attachment (especially avoidant) is particularly decisive in the choice of childlessness. Their interview responses stressed adequate or inadequate mothering, self-sufficiency and threat to the family, which further indicated why the women chose not to have children. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed, particularly the value of the Bird’s Nest Drawing test for adults who have experienced early discontinuities in their lives.