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