Svenskfödda adopterades sökprocess

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis is to try to understand the experiences of Swedish-born adoptees during the process of searching for and meeting their biological family. The subjects have been recruited from the Organisation of Adult Adoptees and Foster Children (AFO) and some other sources. The group consists of 20 adult Swedish-born adoptees, ten women and ten men.  Data have been collected through questionnaires with both open-ended and closed questions regarding their childhood and through interviews with structured questions and follow-up questions concerning the search process. The elaboration of data bas followed the search process and highlighted common features, which have brought about certain themes. The analysis of the descriptions has been made according to some existential key concepts in order to deepen the understanding of the search process. Thus, some broadly human existential dilemmas have emerged. The results indicate a heterogeneous group of subjects. One salient feature is that the search process has been activated in critical situations when lack of knowledge about identity and heredity has been experienced. Another distinct result is the need to get physical likeness confirmed when meeting biological relatives. Such an experience has met a deficiency. Yet another distinct result is the need of contact, no matter the quality, with biological relatives so as to experience closeness built on biological bonds. There has been a will to establish lasting relationships in order to experience identity and continuity. Furthermore, many have experienced during the search process that getting a biological family has added a new dimension to their lives and contributed to personal healing. The adoptees' search for their origin can be seen as a process where broadly human existential dilemmas are particularly prominent.