The Resulting Effects of In Utero Attachment on the Personality Development of an Adopted Individual

A newborn separated from his mother at birth and relinquished for adoption is susceptible to a primal wounding. This construct describes the deep psychic scarring and lasting emotional impact of adoption caused by the sudden severing of the in utero bond with the biological mother. The results of the trauma are believed to be substantial and to carry major long-term developmental effects, and yet the nature of those implications remains poorly understood. The aim of this mixed method study was to address the relationship between the degree of prenatal attachment felt by the birthmother during her pregnancy, and the subsequent emotional and mental development and wellbeing of the adopted individual.