A Communication-Based Approach to Adoptive Identity: Theoretical and Empirical Support

Authors

Colleen Warner Colaner, University of MissouriFollow
Jordan Soliz, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

Published in Communication Research, 2015, 27pp. doi: 10.1177/0093650215577860

Comments

Copyright © 2015 Colleen Warner Colaner and Jordan Soliz. Published by SAGE Publications. Used by permission

Abstract

The current study uses structural equation modeling to examine adoptive parent communication as it relates to adoptee adjustment directly and indirectly through adoptive identity. Using retrospective accounts of 179 adult adoptees, findings indicate that both adoption- (adoption communication openness) and non-adoption-related (parental confirmation and affectionate communication) parental communication are related to adoptive identity work and positive affect about adoption and birth parents. Preoccupation mediates the relationship between parental communication and adoptee adjustment. The current study integrates research and theorizing from identity, adoption, and communication literatures to develop a communication-centered conceptual model of adoptive identity development to inform future adoption research and practice.