Publicatie

Assessing and displaying suitability for adoptive parenthood: a conversation analysis of relationship questions and answers

In this study we examine how suitability for adoptive parenthood is assessed and displayed in interactions between social workers and prospective adoptive parents. In particular, we have analyzed relationship questions that are put to couples with and without an observation from the social worker. The answers are featured as very precise, stressing the positive aspects of the relationship but avoiding sainthood, and accompanied with examples that illustrate the stability of the relationship. We concluded that it is not only ‘‘what’’ couples answer but also ‘‘how’’ they answer that is taken into account in the assessment. That is why ‘‘being able to finish o¤ each other’s sentences when giving an answer’’ and ‘‘having the ability to reflect on the relationship’’ is considered to be a protective factor for adoptive parenthood.

Auteur(s)

Carol van Nijnatten, Martine Noordegraaf, E. Elbers

Publicatietype

Artikel

Trefwoorden

adoptie, adoptive parenthood, relationship questions, conversation analysis, institutional communication

Taal

Engels

Gepubliceerd in

Text and Talk

Gepubliceerd op datum

2010-03-30