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"Bound" by grief post-adoption: can the artist's book assist mothers to tell their stories?

Bolaki, Stella, Davey, Samantha (2024) "Bound" by grief post-adoption: can the artist's book assist mothers to tell their stories? Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 46 (3). pp. 366-389. ISSN 0964-9069. (doi:10.1080/09649069.2024.2382515) (KAR id:106808)

Abstract

This interdisciplinary research collaboration explored the potential benefits of artist’s book workshops for mothers who have experienced grief and loss following the adoption of their children, without their consent. The workshops were designed to facilitate the processing of these complex, powerful emotions and promote emotional healing. The authors ran two workshops – one which was face-to-face and another which took place online. After the workshops, a short documentary was produced, providing insights into the research process and showcasing the experiences of the participating mothers. Early indications suggest that the workshops were successful in addressing the emotional needs of the mothers and have the potential to foster healing and empowerment. By shedding light on mothers’ complex emotional experiences, our research also indirectly raises questions as to the adequacy of the legal framework to meet their needs and to build their trust at the times where they are at their most vulnerable.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/09649069.2024.2382515
Additional information: For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission.
Uncontrolled keywords: adoption; adoption without consent; mothers; artist's book; grief and loss
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of English
Funders: Research England (https://ror.org/02wxr8x18)
Arts and Humanities Research Council (https://ror.org/0505m1554)
Depositing User: Stella Bolaki
Date Deposited: 07 Aug 2024 08:19 UTC
Last Modified: 25 Sep 2024 15:31 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/106808 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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