Psychosocial Challenges and Coping Strategies of Domestic Adoptive Parents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Date

2016-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the psychosocial problems of domestic adoptive parents in Addis Ababa. Qualitative research method was employed in this research. The participants of the study were eight adoptive parents who were purposefully selected. Two orphanages have been selected in order to reach these participants. One of the orphanages is governmental, Kibebe Tsehay, while the other one is an NGO called Kidmia foundation. Moreover to supplement data from the participants, three Key informants were interviewed. The researcher sought to uncover the psychosocial challenges that Adoptive Parents face; the coping strategies employed by these Parents, and the services being rendered both formally and informally in order to support Adoptive parents. The findings of this research revealed that adoptive parent pass through different social and psychological problems both before as well as after the adoption is finalized. Adoptive parent experience a lack of information from where and how to adopt. Adoptive parents also experienced lack of recognition from others by the time they share their plan for adoption. They also suffer from unexpected outcomes as a result of prolonged procedures. Above all adoptive parents experience stigma and discrimination from the community due to the adoption and their infertility. According to the findings the psychological problems that adoptive parents experience mainly due to the social problems are worry, fear, stress, anger, sadness, grief, guilt and attachment problem. The study suggests understanding the adoptive parents challenges can help design appropriate response to the problems of OVC’s in the country by enhancing domestic adoption. Above all formal support systems to adoptive parents and a general awareness creation should be considered in the effort to enhance domestic adoption.

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Keywords

Psychosocial problems

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