Maternal postadoption depression: theory refinement through qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Background:

Some adoptive parents struggle with depressive symptoms post-placement. Foli’s Mid-Range Theory of Postadoption Depression provided the theoretical context for the analysis.

Research Aim:

To explicate connections between adoptive mothers’ unmet/unrealistic expectations and experiences with postadoption depression in the first 24 months of parenting their child(ren).

Methods:

Data were collected as part of a web-based study that examined predictors of maternal postadoption depression. A qualitative content analysis of approximately 332 responses, ranging from two words to two pages of text, was conducted using a deductive, unrestrained matrix approach.

Major Findings:

Support and refinement of major maternal expectations were attained and new concepts were revealed. Parents reported experiencing depression; they expressed unmet expectations as parents and of their children; they reported wishing they had received more medical and behavioural information about their child; and they reported mixed reactions and support from family and friends. Mothers described trans-racial family characteristics and being an adoptive family as factors in being accepted by society. Finally, the passage of time was described as a contributor to bonding and re-establishing family equilibrium.

Conclusions:

The findings refine and expand Foli’s Mid-Range Theory. Nurses render care to adoptive parents and their children in a number of practice settings, and these findings provide evidence to guide nursing care.