The focus of this paper is adoptive identity, the sense of who one is as an
adopted person. The paper first considers how identity has been shaped by
recent social changes, and then explores the meaning of adoptive identity a
nd its developmental course. Three contents of development are examined: in
trapsychic, the family environment, and contexts beyond the family, includi
ng relationships with friends, connection to community, and culture. Implic
ations for professionals who work with adopted persons and for needed resea
rch are also discussed.