Impacts of Structural and Communicative Openness on Psychological Safety in Adoptee Experiences

Authors

  • Lanette J. Nelson Brigham Young University
  • Alisha M. Gallagher Brigham Young University
  • Jill P. Burgon Brigham Young University
  • H. Daniel Heist Brigham Young University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JNEL-2025-12524

Keywords:

Adoptee, Structural Openness, Communicative Openness, Psychological Safety

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to explore how different types of adoption openness may have impacted the lived experiences of 25 U.S. adult individuals who were adopted as children. A deductive qualitative coding approach was used to analyze transcripts of 25 semi-structured interviews of adult adoptees. The interviews are analyzed using concepts of adoption openness, including both structural and communicative openness, and perceived psychological safety. Using a thematic analysis, this study found that openness in adoption, especially communicative openness, deeply impacted positive adoptee identity development and the strength and quality of family relationships. Openness was also positively related to adoptees’ reported sense of psychological safety. These findings may be relevant to nonprofit executives, program officers, staff, and others who work to provide appropriate adoption education, regulation, and support; and may also be helpful to adopted individuals and both adoptive and biological family members.

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Published

2025-08-14

Issue

Online First

Section

Special Themed Issue on Foster Care and Adoption

License

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