Title: The Lived Experience of

Adopted Children in the Families

of Spinal Cord Amputation
Veterans

Abstract:
The issue of adoption in families
of spinal cord amputation
veterans, due to disability and
sexual inability to have children,
is a significant and noteworthy
topic. This research aims to
explore the lived experience of
adopted children in such families,
including their situation,
narratives, and coping
mechanisms. To achieve this, a
qualitative method known as
"Descriptive Phenomenology"
was adopted, as it aligns with the
research's purpose and practical
perspective. Data was collected
through in-depth and semi-
structured interviews with 10
individuals, ensuring theoretical
saturation. The findings revealed
three overarching
categories that conceptualize the
interviewees' subjective
narratives: "identification," "family
relations," and "type of
community encounter." In terms
of identification, some
participants easily accepted
themselves as adopted children,
while others experienced
conflicts and ambiguity regarding
their family identity. Additionally,
challenges in interactions with
close relatives were prominent in
the realm of family relations.
Interestingly, the narratives
indicated that adopted children
faced fewer challenges in their
relationships and interactions
with society compared to their
kinship and family relationships.

Keywords: Spinal cord

amputation veterans, adoption,
lived experience, family