Liminal Spaces: Reconciling the Chinese American Adoptee Identity and Mental Health

Existing at an ambiguous crossroad of identity, Chinese American adoptees [CAAs] must navigate conflicting physical and social environments. As many CAAs enter adulthood, the normal developmental tasks of forming and questioning identity, self, and belonging are amplified, which could potentially lead to mental health distress and/or isolation. The question of CAA identity and mental health is of pertinent public health significance given the number of CAAs entering adulthood and the increase in Sinophobia in the United States post COVID-19 adoption. Although studies have investigated the transracial and transnational identity of CAAs before, limited information is available about how the CAA identity affects this population’s perceived mental health status. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the CAA identity in relation to mental health by examining the experiences, and perceptions of this population as they enter a period of introspection and discovery. Eleven participants within the CAA community participated in three facilitated focus group sessions and completed a Qualtrics demographic survey. Participants across the focus groups described experiences with social and familial belonging and mental health care barriers. Further analyses and investigation of the CAA population can provide a broader understanding of the implications of transnational and transracial adoption on individual mental health as well as guidance for behavioral health and policy surrounding transnational and transracial adoption.