Roots of Connection: Exploring Childhood Adoption and Attachment

Abstract

There is a connection between childhood adoption and attachment, and its implications on adoptees. Exploring this topic is relevant and important, as it relates to the developing identity and security in an adoptee's life. The principal objective of this Capstone is to offer a more comprehensive understanding around the connection between adoption and attachment and how this association shapes future outcomes for adoptees. Additionally, this Capstone aims to provide insight for adoptive parents and mental health practitioners to gain a better understanding on how they might be able to better support adoptees. This paper concludes with an infographic intended as a toolkit for adoptive parents and mental health practitioners interested in working with or already working with adoptees or adoptive families. This infographic aims to bring together information and resources to further support adoptive families with fostering attachment and attunement.