Within CLIPSY, Samiratou Tetou Amadou explored adoptive parenting and its impacts in Togo.
Samiratou Tetou Amadou, chercheur·e au sein de CLIPSY (Université d'Angers).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Éducation, Cognition, Langages, Interactions, Santé (ECLIS) (Nantes).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Samiratou Tetou Amadou, titled "Representations of Adoptive Filiation and the Context of Emergence of Conduct Disorders in Adopted Children in Togo," highlights family dynamics often overlooked in the African context. Through a qualitative study conducted with fourteen adoptive families, this research reveals crucial issues for understanding parent-child relationships within the framework of adoption. Indeed, adoption, although an ancient practice, remains surrounded by taboos and misunderstandings, particularly in West Africa, where traditional family structures are deeply rooted.
The study's results show that 50% of adopted children were informed of their adoption during adolescence. This pivotal moment can lead to identity crises and emotional disturbances. Adolescence is already a complex period for any young person, marked by physical and psychological changes. For an adopted child, learning that they are different from their peers can provoke feelings of abandonment or rejection. Adoptive parents, for their part, express significant concern for attachment, with 46.66% of them highlighting the importance of this bond. This concern is even more relevant in a context where adopted children may feel a lack of emotional security, which can lead to difficult behaviors.
These elements raise questions about how families approach the subject of adoption and the psychological implications that arise. It is essential to promote an open dialogue about adoption. Children must be able to understand their history and express their emotions without fear of judgment. This requires increased awareness among adoptive parents regarding the psychological and relational issues related to adoption. Training for adopters could thus become a lever to improve the well-being of adopted children. For example, awareness workshops could be established to help parents navigate delicate conversations around adoption.
The challenges faced by adoptive families in Togo are indicative of a broader reality. Stigmatization and prejudices surrounding adoption can exacerbate relational difficulties. In many cultures, adoption is still perceived as a last resort, often associated with negative judgments about parents' ability to conceive biological children. This perception can create a hostile environment for adoptive families, making their integration into the community even more difficult. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of an empathetic and informed approach to support these families. Policymakers must take these elements into account to develop appropriate public policies. This could include awareness campaigns to change social perceptions of adoption and promote a positive image of adoptive families.
It is also crucial to recognize that Togo, like many West African countries, faces socio-economic challenges that can influence family dynamics. Adoptive families may encounter financial difficulties that further complicate their situation. For example, the cost of healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities can weigh heavily on the family budget. In this context, support from NGOs and government agencies is essential to alleviate the burden on adoptive families.
In summary, this thesis paves the way for a deeper reflection on adoptive parenting in Togo. It calls for a better understanding of family dynamics and concrete actions to support adoptive families in their journey. This involves not only a revision of adoption policies but also a collective commitment to create an environment where adopted children can fully thrive. By fostering a culture of acceptance and support, we can help reduce the stigma associated with adoption and promote healthy and fulfilling family relationships.
Données clés
- 50% : des enfants adoptés ont été informés de leur adoption durant l'adolescence, ce qui peut affecter leur développement émotionnel.
- 46,66% : des adoptants expriment une préoccupation pour l'attachement, soulignant l'importance de ce lien.
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Sources et accès
Samiratou Tetou Amadou. Représentations de la filiation adoptive et contexte d’émergence du trouble des conduites chez l’enfant adopté au Togo. Psychologie. Université d'Angers, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023ANGE0085⟩. ⟨tel-04715680⟩