Liberating Our Ancestors, Finding Ourselves: Colombian Transnational Adoptee First Family Reunion Experiences

Abstract

Information about transnational adoptee search and reunions with first families is limited. Less is known about how adult Colombian transnational adoptees engage in and experience search and reunion. To address this gap in research the current explanatory study explored the first family reunion experiences of 17 adult Colombian transnational adoptees within a liberation psychology framework. Using thematic analysis, the research findings described participants’ awareness of search possibilities, preparation for the search, as well as first connection experiences. Participants utilized a variety of communicative strategies for contact with first families and shared their experiences accessing search assistance. Participants reported a broad array of emotional experiences throughout the process and offered recommendations to include cultivating support and preparation strategies for other Colombian adoptees considering a search for first families. Implications for Colombian transnational adoptees, adoptive families, and adoption professionals are discussed.

Keywords:

• Colombian adoptees
• transnational adoption
• search and reunion
• liberation psychology

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflicts of interests to disclose.