Date Available
8-3-2021
Year of Publication
2021
Degree Name
Master of Science in Family Sciences (MSFS)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Family Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Ronald Werner-Wilson
Second Advisor
Dr. Rachel Farr
Abstract
The current study explores the perceptions and experiences of support in a sample of birth mothers who relinquished parental rights though open or closed private adoption (e.g., religiously, and non-religiously affiliated private adoption agencies, adoption attorneys). Participants (N = 51) were birth mothers who placed a child for adoption at birth or within several months and who relinquished parenting rights 8 months to 50 years ago, with (M = 15.39) years since placement. A thematic analysis uncovered six overarching themes throughout the relinquishment process. Further, prevalence of themes in certain phases (i.e., pre-placement, during placement, post-placement) were shared among all participants. Reliability was strong for all themes. These findings hold important implications for policy and supports related to birth mothers’ well-being and adjustment.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2021.310
Recommended Citation
Watkins, Ciara, "BIRTH MOTHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF SUPPORT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT" (2021). Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences. 94.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/hes_etds/94
