Adoptive Parenting Cognitions in the Era of Open Adoption: Is Shared Fate Theory Still Relevant?

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.