Abstract
This study aims to comprehend the processes of construction of the adoptive and biological parenthoods and their repercussions on conjugality. It’s a collective case, qualitative and transversal study. Seven couples with a biological child born before the arrival of an adoptive child were interviewed. Life history technique and semi structured interviews, totaling 14 interviews, were used. Four thematic axes were identified according to the content analysis. The motivation for adoption was referred as an act both of love and of helping others. It was observed that the transition to the parenthood with the birth of the biological child had a repercussion in a more expressive way on the quality of the conjugal relation, than the arrival of other children either adoptive or biological. Couple’s planning for adoption favored the conjugality and the satisfaction of the marital relationship, seen as positive throughout the parenthood experience.
Adoption; Parenthood; Marital Relationship