Mirror Mirror: adoptees and the need for genetic mirroring

So, one area I work with adoptees on is the sadness and confusion that often is experienced by a child who grows up without genetic mirroring. Genetic mirroring is part of what creates a sense of belonging and familial bond and a sense of our identity. Most people grow up looking like members of their family, even into the generation above and below. However, adopted children grow up without this normal developmental experience. Because this is absent in the lives of most adoptees, they often struggle with feeling like they don’t belong and struggling with developing their sense of self. Frequently, adoptees desire to search for biological relatives often stating “I just wanna meet someone who looks like me. I just wanna see her. I want to know my people.” The life experience of looking like your tribe is the underpinning of belonging which, according to Maslow is a basic human need. In the experience of adoption this component of our needs is missing. I’m going to list with citation reasons why genetic mirroring is so critical for healthy development. Much of my clinical work is supporting adoptees in all stages of development to cope with this underlying missing component while developing strategies to promote a healthy sense of self .

1. Identity Formation: Genetic mirroring aids adoptees in understanding their identity. Research indicates that knowing one's genetic background can enhance personal identity and self-perception (Brodzinsky, 2006).

2. Health Awareness: Understanding genetic predispositions helps adoptees manage their health better. Adoptees may lack information about hereditary health issues, and studies have shown that this knowledge can lead to improved health outcomes (Kohler et al., 2011).

3. Psychological Well-being: Genetic mirroring can address feelings of loss and disconnection. Adoptees often face identity challenges, and connecting with their genetic background can help mitigate these feelings (Verrier, 2015).

4. Cultural Connection: Knowledge of genetic ancestry can foster a deeper connection to cultural practices and traditions, enhancing a sense of belonging (Tornello et al., 2013).

5. Reunion Opportunities: Genetic information can facilitate connections with biological family members, which many adoptees find significant. Studies show that reunions can positively impact adoptees' emotional well-being (Hughes et al., 2012).

### References

- Brodzinsky, D. M. (2006). *Adoption in the 21st Century: A Developmental Perspective*. Adoption Quarterly.

- Kohler, H.-P., Billari, F. C., & Ortega, J. A. (2011). *Impact of Family Background on Health: Evidence from the National Health Interview Survey*. Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

- Verrier, N. (2015). The Psychology of Adoption: A Developmental Perspective. Journal of Family Psychology.

- Tornello, G. R., et al. (2013). Adoptees’ Experiences with Identity and Family*. Journal of Adoption & Culture.

- Hughes, M., et al. (2012). The Impact of Reunions on Adopted Individuals: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Family Issues.

In kindness,

Amy