Date of Award:

5-2003

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Department name when degree awarded

Family and Human Development

Committee Chair(s)

Scot M. Allgood

Committee

Scot M. Allgood

Committee

D. Kim Openshaw

Committee

Tom Lee

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover the type of rituals utilized by adoptive families to welcome a child into their home. Family members obtain a sense of identity through the enactment of rituals. Forming family identity is especially important to the adoption process. This study examined the types and amount of rituals reported by 20 adoptive couples. The top five most helpful rituals were obtained. The rituals were then divided up into categories. The results of this study found that patterned interaction rituals are used most often and are most helpful in welcoming an adoptive child. Family traditions and family celebration rituals followed in their usage and helpfulness.

Checksum

c05066b48e52f226915f0cf8a1d3298a

Share

COinS