The long-term outcome of reunions between adult adopted people and their birth mothers

Increasing numbers of adult adopted people are searching for and having reu nions with their birth relatives. Although a growing number of studies now exist that have looked at the search and reunion process, few have examined reunion outcomes over the long term. The present study investigated the ex periences of 48 adult adopted people who first had contact with their birth mothers at least eight years prior to the survey. Outcomes were examined i n terms of the adopted person's evaluation of their own adoption experience , and the frequency of contact, if any, currently occurring between the ado pted person and their adoptive and birth mothers. Although over half of ado pted people were still in contact with their birth mother eight years or mo re post reunion, the number still in touch with their adoptive mothers was higher still. Furthermore, of those still in contact with both their adopti ve and birth mothers, the frequency of contact was more likely to be higher with the adoptive mother than with the birth mother. The results are discu ssed in terms of the search for identity, filial relationships, genetic rel atedness and affectional bonds formed during childhood.