Affiliation(s)
1. Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, Research Laboratory on Creativity and Psychic Development (LAPECRI), Avenida Professor Mello de Morais, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil
2. Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de São Paulo, Research Laboratory on Creativity and Psychic Development (LAPECRI), Avenida Professor Mello de Morais, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil
3. Research Laboratory on Creativity and Psychic Development (LAPECRI), Department of Clinical Psychology, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Mello de Morais, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil
ABSTRACT
The subject of adoption is well-studied
worldwide. In contrast, when it comes
to women who give up their children for
adoption, studies are far fewer. The present research aims to investigate how the myth of motherly love affects the ideas
and conceptions concerning giving up a child for adoption
from the perspective of the nursing professionals directly involved with these women. Also, the aim here is
to interfere preventively with these professionals, raising awareness
of the conceptions and prejudices related to giving up a child for adoption. Methodologically
speaking, the research is designed as a qualitative research, based on the clinical
method. The procedure was undertaken using group dynamics carried out with 19 professionals
(nurses and nursing technicians). Participants performed a free
association activity and continued with two fictional stories on giving up a child for adoption. The results indicate
that the ideas derived from the myth of motherly love are indeed
present in the professionals’ subjectivity and influence their behavior and attitude towards these women. Additionally,
financial difficulties and other factors external to these women are provided as
the main reasons for giving a child for adoption. Additionally, the intention is
also to minimize the negative effects on the psychic life of these women who give
their children up for adoption as well as to provide these children with a more
sustainable life project.
KEYWORDS
Myth
of motherly love, adoption, nursing professionals, donor mothers, interactive narratives.
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