Abstract

KHAFIF LEVINZON, Gina. Interracial adoption in psychoanalytical practice: building a sense of identity. Rev. bras. psicanál [online]. 2013, vol.47, n.2, pp. 166-175. ISSN 0486-641X.

This paper touches upon the issue of interracial adoption and its handling in the psychoanalytical clinic. Several factors contribute to the success of this type of adoption, such as the expectations and fantasies of adoptive parents and their ability to deal with racial differences. From the child's point of view, there is the task of building a positive self-image and a solid sense of identity which overcome the physical differences between him/her and the parents. A clinical case is presented in which the race issue had not been well elaborated, which resulted in a great sense of inadequacy in an adopted girl. As a means of survival, the child had created a kind of "false white self". In the analytical work, it was possible to build, through transference, a relationship with a "dreamed biological mother" and/or a "symbolic adoptive mother", with whom the child had racial affinity and the celebration of her unique characteristics.

Keywords : adoption; interracial adoption; psychoanalytical clinic; children psychotherapy; false self.

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