Abstract

This work focused on the development of the concept of adoption, examining the role played by age and knowledge of adopted persons, in light of the Social Representation Theory. Six, 9- and 12-year olds and adults (n = 202) gave, respectively, oral and written definitions of the term adoption. The results indicated that representation of adoption is more complex - in terms of definition plausibility, length and content - at increasing ages, and for some aspects for people who directly know adopted persons. Applied implications can be drawn, considering the relevance of contact with adoptees in educational fields.