Abstract
Explores the ideas of fantasy and hope in interviews with 17 adopted adults who were searching for reunion with their birthparents. Reports the content and self-reported utility of these fantasies. Employs the idea of a birthparent fantasy as a transitional phenomenon (D. W. Winnicott) the purpose of which is both to maintain connection to a birthparent and to manage the pain of relinquishment. Considers hope in terms of several images of hoping (W. F. Lynch) which suggest that birthparent fantasies both express hope and keep hope in check. Suggests implications of this qualitative study for the ministry of pastoral counseling to adoptees.
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