Lifton, Betty Jean

Lifton was adopted aged two. When she was seven her mother told her she was adopted, but it was so shameful that she should never let anyone know, and she must never let her father know she knew, either. This experience traumatized her and has given her a negative view of adoption.

She has a Ph.D., is a therapist specializing in adoption matters and has written a number of books for children and adults, most concerned with adoption.

References

Lifton, Betty Jean. Journey of the Adopted Self: A Quest for Wholeness. (New York: BasicBooks, 1994)
Lifton, Betty Jean. Lost and Found: The Adoption Experience. (New York: Perennial Library, 1988)
Lifton, Betty Jean. Twice Born: Memoirs of an Adopted Daughter. (New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 1998)

Indexes

USA
20th Century
21st Century
Civil Rights, Advocacy
Journalism
Literature
Medicine and Allied Professions
Social Services and Social Sciences
Late or Traumatic Learning of Adoption
Formal, American/European-Type Adoption
Birth or Infancy
Others ("Strangers")