Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Eva Feindler, PhD

Second Advisor

Linnea Mavrides, PsyD

Third Advisor

Gil Tippy, PsyD

Abstract

How much do we know about our families? There is limited research on the influx of family secrets revealed through genetic ancestry (genealogical/DNA) testing, a method utilized to learn about genealogy and family history that has become increasingly popular (Jorde & Bamshad, 2020). The present study stems from available research and archival stories and allows for a deeper understanding of how family secrets may present themselves in therapy. Previous research has focused on the content of secrets, categorizing themes within secrets, and the various functions of secret-keeping within family dynamics (Vangelisti, Caughlin, & Timmerman, 2001; Vangelisti & Caughlin, 1997). Additionally, theories that aim to explain the development of the self within the family context may provide a foundation upon which a deeper exploration of the experience of family secrets can build. Using Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory (Bowen, 1978) and Christopher Bollas's theory of the unthought known (Bollas, 1987) as frameworks, the goal of this qualitative study was to provide insight into how individuals experience the phenomenon of uncovering family secrets through genealogical testing. Through semi-structured interviews of people who have had secrets revealed through genealogical testing, particular insight into how relationship dynamics might shift within families due to these secrets and how the individual re-experiences their sense of self through these learned secret/s was explored.

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