The Effect of Background Information on the Identity Formation and Self-Concept of Adoptees

Author

Molly Susan Dye, Indiana State University

Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2002

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Thomas J. Johnson

Second Advisor

Virgil Sheets

Third Advisor

Elizabeth O'Laughlin

Abstract

Adoptees are over represented in clinical populations. Issues of self-concept, identity formation and the search for background history may be of particular relevance to adoptee clients and could be addressed as a focus of treatment. This study attempted to assess if lack of knowledge about background information is related to poorer selfconcepts and increased difficulty with identity formation in adoptees. Adults (N=299) who were adopted prior to 6 months of age were recruited from adoption related sites on the Internet. Measures of self-concept, identity formation and adoption related factors were completed on a web page designed for this study. Results indicated that those adoptees who choose not to search for their biological information were more likely to be in the foreclosed stage of identity development. Results also indicated that adoptees, regardless of their level of knowledge of their backgrounds, have lower self-concepts than non-adopted individuals. Additional predictive factors that indicated the likelihood of seeking out mental health services were also found. Information from this study could be useful to practitioners and researchers interested in the identity formation, selfconcepts and mental health issues associated with adoptees.

Recommended Citation

Dye, Molly Susan, "The Effect of Background Information on the Identity Formation and Self-Concept of Adoptees" (2002). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3329.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3329