Abstract

The study focused on the reculturation processes of the birth culture by internationally adopted adolescents and emerging adults within the context of family relationships. Participants were 120 triads (adoptee and both his/her parents) and filled in a self report questionnaire. Results showed that maternal socialization strategies were related to the adoptee's cultural exploration that, in turns, was positively associated with his/her ethnic identity. Moreover, the latter variable was related to the child's self-esteem. The moderation effect played by Italian national identity between ethnic identity and self-esteem was also found.