What does it mean to be a donor offspring? The identity experiences of adults conceived by donor insemination and the implications for counselling and therapy

In the absence of research with adult donor offspring, this study begins to bridge that gap by asking individuals about their experiences as donor off spring and considering the implications for psychotherapeutic and counselli ng practice. Sixteen participants (13 female, three male, age range 26-55 y ears) recruited through donor insemination support networks in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, were sent semi-structured questionnaires by E-mail a nd post. Using identity process theory as a framework for understanding par ticipants' accounts, the data were qualitatively analysed using interpretat ive phenomenological analysis. Participants consistently reported mistrust within the family, negative distinctiveness, lack of genetic continuity, fr ustration in being thwarted in the search for their biological fathers and a need to talk to a significant other (i.e. someone who would understand). These experiences could be postulated as being indicative of a struggle to assimilate, accommodate and evaluate information about their new identities as donor offspring. Psychotherapists and counsellors need to be aware of t hese identity issues if they are to meet the needs of donor offspring withi n therapeutic practice.