ADOPTION REUNIONS - A NEW SIDE TO INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Personal interviews were conducted with 67 adult adoptees who had reun ions with birth relatives. A qualitative analysis showed that seven ty pes of post-reunion relationships developed, including those that were ''close,'' ''close bit not too close,'' ''distant,'' ''tense,'' ''amb ivalent,'' ''searching,'' and ''no contact.'' Factors associated with the development of particular relationships are identified. These incl ude structural factors, interactive factors, motivating factors, and v alues and outlook of birth relatives. Implications for clinical practi ce are discussed.