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The Maternal-Bonding Trajectory For Mothers Who Adopt Young, International Children: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract Existing research has not sufficiently explored the maternal-bonding process between a mother and an internationally adopted child. The present qualitative study used a semi-structured interview protocol and grounded theory analysis to explore this unique maternal-bonding process. The participants were 13 mothers who were in intact, heterosexual marriages and had adopted an international child, under the age of four. 77% of the families were transracial. Based on the analysis of prominent themes, the onset of the maternal-bonding process with international children began when the mother received a picture and referral of her child and evolved until the mother viewed her child as an independent and connected individual. The process of maternal-bonding with internationally adopted children can best be described using a six-phase model, which was developed based on the themes that emerged from the mothers' narratives.