Unfinished Journeys

An IPA Study of the Lived Experiences of Adult Satellite Babies

Dados Bibliográficos

ID17190890
AutoresVictoria M Chiu (0009-0000-2203-1447, Department of Marriage and Family Sciences National University San Diego California USA, autor correspondente), Mark B White (0000-0002-7402-5513, Department of Marriage and Family Sciences National University San Diego California USA), Elizabeth D'Arrigo‐Patrick (Department of Marriage and Family Therapy Chapman University Orange California USA), Elizabeth Banks (0000-0001-9801-888X, National University), Elizabeth C Banks (0000-0002-3346-2397, Department of Marriage and Family Sciences National University San Diego California USA)
Ano2026
Volume65
Fascículo2
Páginase70136-e70136
Data de publicação2026-04-05
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFamily Process (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0014-7370 • E-ISSN: 1545-5300
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/famp.70136
PMID41936536
OpenAlexW7149918674
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas36

Transnational families are becoming more common, although the long-term impact of early childhood separations from biological parents remains unclear. "Satellite babies" (SBs) are Chinese infants born in North America, sent to China for caregiving, and then reunited with their parents. This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) examined the lived experiences of 10 adult SBs to address gaps in attachment theory (AT) and inform culturally sensitive therapeutic practice. IPA's iterative, in-depth approach to thematic data analysis revealed four group experiential themes (GETs): ambiguous loss, fear in relationships then and now, "how I got through it," and change is possible. Results support key tenets from AT and ambiguous loss theory (ALT), including sensitive periods of attachment, adult attachment dimensions, and the "psychological family." Results support negative developmental outcomes while highlighting protective factors like social support. Recommendations for practice include a call for MFTs to include ALT in culturally sensitive assessment and treatment of Chinese SB families

Attachment theory · China · Clinical Practice · Experiential learning · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Lived experience · Phenomenology (philosophy) · Thematic analysis · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Family and Disability Support Research · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum