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Limited research exists about the unique experiences and possible marginalization of children with sexual minority parents. From a larger longitudinal project of diverse adoptive families, we examined cross-sectional data using mixed methods from interviews with 49 adopted children ( M age  = 8 years; 47 % female) in 27 two-father and 22 two-mother families. Using thematic analysis, we coded themes of awareness of difference, microaggressions, and resilience (i.e., coping and positive family conceptualizations). Children experienced “feeling different” and microaggressions from peers, but generally at a low to medium intensity and with neutral (not negative) emotion. More instances of resilience and positive family conceptualizations were reported than microaggressions or feelings of difference, suggesting that children develop positive perceptions of their family and navigate experiences of difference with resilience. Filling important gaps in the literature, we discuss implications of our results for practice and policy.

Objective To reexamine shared fate theory by validating the original measure of “acknowledgment of differences” (AOD) and testing the theory's relations in the current era of open adoptions. Background Shared fate theory states adoptive parents who acknowledge differences between adoptive and nonadoptive parenthood are better able to empathize with their child and promote open communication about adoption. The theory has not been validated in the context of modern adoption practices, such as birth family contact. Method Confirmatory factor analyses examined the validity of the original measure of AOD using a sample of 190 adoptive mothers whose families varied in level of birth family contact. Regression analyses examined the relation between AOD and empathy and communication 8 years later, as well as whether level of birth family contact moderated these relations. Results Results provided evidence for the validity of the measure of AOD. AOD in mothers significantly predicted empathy and communication 8 years later, with little evidence for moderation by level of birth family contact. Conclusion AOD has implications for parenting practices and remains an important adoptive parenting cognition, regardless of level of birth family contact. Implications AOD is a still relevant area of intervention for practitioners working with adoptive families.

Little research has focused on the positive adjustment of emerging adult adoptees (Palacios and Brodzinsky in Int J Behav Dev 34:270–284, 2010). Given the developmental context of emerging adulthood (Arnett in Am Psychol 55:469–482, 2000), it is important to select an indicator of adjustment that reflects the associated ambiguity. The present study aims to provide empirical support for the construct of relational competence , or competence in one’s closest relationship regardless of relationship type (i.e., romantic vs. nonromantic) among emerging adult adoptees. Participants included 162 adoptees who had been adopted before the age of one in the United States through private domestic adoption in to same-race families. Relational competence was measured by adapting a measure of romantic competence in emerging adulthood (Shulman et al. in J Adolesc 34:397–406, 2011). Indicators of relational competence were coded from interviews in which participants discussed their self-identified closest relationship (White et al. in J Personality Soc Psychol 50:152–162, 1986). Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the proposed model of relational competence was a good fit to the data and was invariant across relationship type and gender. No differences in relational competence scores were found by relationship type or by gender (all p ’s > .552). Relational competence was positively associated with adaptive functioning ( β  = 0.325, p  = .006) and negatively associated with internalizing ( β  = − 0.246, p  = .035) and externalizing behavior ( β  = − 0.347, p  = .003).

Objective To understand how adult adoptees use traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication in contact with birth parents. To examine associations between desire for increased use of both modes and quality of relationship. Background As tech‐mediated modes of communication become more commonplace, it is important to understand their implications for family relationship quality. Limited research has examined the use of tech‐mediated modes of communication between adult adoptees and birth parents. Method Participants (Mage = 31 years) were adopted as infants (N = 90). Participants reported their current and desired future use of traditional and tech‐mediated communication modes and their satisfaction with contact, current closeness, desired future closeness, and psychological presence of birth parents. Results Those with current contact reported using both traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication. Desired increase of traditional modes was associated with greater psychological presence and desired future closeness with birth mothers, while both traditional and tech‐mediated were associated with these outcomes for birth fathers. Conclusion Adult adoptees use both traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication with their birth parents. However, these modes may play distinct roles in maintaining close relationships with birth parents. Implications Family professionals should consider the unique roles traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication may play when supporting adult adoptees in contact with birth relatives.

The present study examined the perspectives of emerging adult adoptees (N = 167) on adoption agency practices and associations between these perspectives and their own experiences. After themes of advice to adoption agency professionals were identified, we examined associations between these themes and age, gender, level of openness, and satisfaction with contact. Results suggest that adoptees draw upon both their own experiences and the experiences of other adoptees in making recommendations for the role of adoption agencies.