Ethnic identity and psychological adjustment in transracial adoptees: a review of the literature

Abstract

International adoption is a relatively recent phenomenon and research in this field is emerging, particularly on issues of ethnic identity development and its implications for psychological adjustment and well-being. This article presents a critical review of the literature on ethnic identity in transracial adoptees as it relates to discrimination and psychological well-being. The review results show no clear evidence on the relation between a strong ethnic identity of origin, racial socialization efforts by parents and psychological adjustment in transracial adoptees. Studies investigating the effects of discrimination are too scarce to be conclusive. Results are discussed in light of future research and clinical recommendations.

Keywords:

• ethnic identity
• adoption
• transracial
• psychological well-being
• racial socialization
• discrimination

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the funding of Groupe de recherche et d’action sur la victimisation des enfants (GRAVE) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [grant number: CRSH: 767-2011-1410].

Notes on contributors

Mylène Boivin

MYLÈNE BOIVIN is PhD Candidate in the Department of Psychology at University of Quebec at Montreal.

Ghayda Hassan

GHAYDA HASSAN is Professor in the Department of Psychology at University of Quebec at Montreal.