This case study investigates the experience of adoption of a four months old child by a couple who already possessed three biological children. The analysis of data, obtained by means of a semi-structured interview, showed that the adoptive parenthood experienced thorough fears of loss of the adopted child. These feelings seemed to be related to the way in which the adoption came to terms, without following all necessary steps set up by the new Brazilian adoption law. For the adopting couple, the adoption process was an intense emotional experience, which was permeated by feelings of ambivalence that deserve the attention of psychology professionals. Results show the need of offering psychosocial and legal attention both to the adopters, the adopted and the family.
adoption; foster parents; family relations; motivation for adoption