Roots and Relationships: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Interpersonal Attachment in Adopted and Biological Young Adults

Abstract

Adoption remains a societal taboo in India, with relatively few adoptions taking place, and even fewer openly discussed. This stigma can lead to internal struggles for adoptees as they grow, often impacting their interpersonal attachment and overall well-being. The study aimed to explore the differences and challenges in attachment patterns between adopted young adults and their biological counterparts, with a focus on understanding the unique vulnerabilities of adoptees and their implications for well-being. A qualitative approach was employed, beginning with the development of interview questions rated for relevance and validity by five expert researchers. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with three adopted young adults and three biological young adults. The interview data underwent open coding to identify key concepts, followed by thematic analysis guided by the research objectives. This process helped uncover the main themes and subthemes related to interpersonal attachment in both groups. The findings revealed that while the overall patterns of interpersonal attachment were mostly similar across the two groups, adoptees exhibited distinct vulnerabilities. Two key differences emerged: (1) Fear of Abandonment, where adoptees showed a pronounced tendency to anticipate abandonment, often stemming from their early life experiences; and (2) Fear of Rejection, where adoptees reported greater feelings of neglect and heightened concern about how others perceived them. These factors highlighted a greater emotional sensitivity and vulnerability in adoptees compared to their biological peers. The study concluded that adopted young adults experience subtle yet significant differences in attachment, particularly related to fear of abandonment and rejection. These findings highlight the need for targeted support to enhance their emotional well-being and foster resilience, emphasizing the importance of addressing their unique attachment-related challenges.