The emotional experience of being internationally adopted: A qualitative study with Nepalese children adopted in Spain

Abstract

Research in inter-country adoption is usually focused on being able to determine whether adopted children have more or fewer behavioral problems than non-adopted children. However, there is not enough to enable us to understand the feelings and bonds of the often complex life situations of being an internationally adopted child. This qualitative study with Nepalese child adoptees in Spain explores their inner world with projective methods. The results show that assessment with projective methods reveals dynamics and feelings experienced by adopted children. This can be a useful tool to better understand their psychological needs and properly design professional interventions.