The psychological implications of forced adoption: A scoping review

Forced Adoption is an under-researched phenomenon with impactful psychological implications for those affected. In the context of an identified gap in empirical research on forced adoption, this scoping review aimed to systematically chart empirical studies and distinct grey literature on the psychological impact of forced adoption on birth mothers and adoptees. The databases PsycINFO, CINAHL, SAGE, Scopus, ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts and Google Scholar were used to screen for operationally defined search terms that align with the research question. Following title and abstract screening (k = 2515) and full-text screening (N = 61), a final selection of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria, emphasising the scarcity of empirical research in this area. The studies reviewed were conducted in the United States (N = 13), the United Kingdom (N = 1), New Zealand (N = 2), Australia (N = 3), Canada (N = 4), Colombia (N = 1), South Korea (N = 1), Ireland (N = 1), and Scotland (N = 1). The findings of this review indicate that the existing evidence base leans more heavily toward studies exploring birth mothers' experiences (n = 18) than studies exploring adoptees' experiences (n = 9) and qualitative studies (N = 23). The psychological implications of forced adoption reported for birth mothers include grief and loss, social stigma and isolation, trauma and emotional distress and lack of autonomy at the time of adoption. Adoptees report challenges navigating subsequent trauma and attachment difficulties, identity loss, lack of belonging and experiences of social isolation and otherness. This review indicates the need for silent voices to be amplified and practices to be critically reviewed. It also emphasises opportunities for methodological and theory-informed advancements.