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Relationships without Borders

Clinical Considerations for Search & Contact with First Families

Bibliographic Data

ID12460331
AuthorsSamantha L Wilson (0000-0002-9152-9182, Medical College of Wisconsin, corresponding author), Sarah G Kurtzahn (Lake Land College)
Year2023
Volume27
Issue3
Pages241-261
Publication date2023-06-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAdoption Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1092-6755 • E-ISSN: 1544-452X
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10926755.2023.2228765
OpenAlexW4382281420
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited29

The search for connections with first family members is considered a normative part of adoptee development and not a reflection of adoptive family conflict or individual psychopathology. Knowledge about one’s first family, with consideration for the potential of ongoing relationships, can be of psychological importance to the adopted person. The implications for first family members in the context of international contact/reunions have not been extensively studied. There are many complexities in navigating contact/relationships across the cultural, linguistic, and national differences inherent in intercountry adoption. This paper will review the extant literature and include clinical experiences of two adoption professionals who have facilitated first family contact/meetings following intercountry adoption. Content includes preparation for search, contact/meeting considerations, and supporting psychological integration for the adopted person, even when contact/meeting is not possible

Context (archaeology · Developmental psychology · Extant taxon · Normative · Political science · Psychopathology · Child Welfare and Adoption · Clinical Psychology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Law · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Social Psychology

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    Johanne Thomson-Sweeny, Geneviève Pagé et al.•Adoption Quarterly•2026

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year1
Citation span2026 - 2026 (1)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1
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