The Past and Present Cultural Experiences of Adopted Korean American Adults

Abstract

This study used a mixed-method approach to examine the past and present cultural life experiences of Korean adult adoptees. Open-ended responses across four developmental periods (childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood) were qualitatively analyzed and categorized into seven categories of cultural activities. We then quantitatively investigated the relationship between these domains and ethnic identity. Ethnic identity was positively correlated with only cultural experiences from young adulthood. The practical relevance of the research findings to adopted adults and adoptive families is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• cultural socialization
• international adoption
• Korean adoptees
• racial and ethnic identity
• cultural activities

The research was supported by a University of Minnesota Grant-in-Aid of Research, Artistry, and Scholarship, a NIMH Research Supplement for Underrepresented Minorities, and a NIMH K-01 award (MH070740) to Dr. Lee.

Notes

^a p < .05

^b p < .01.

^a p < .05.