Discovering Misattributed Paternity After DNA Testing and its Impact on Psychological Well-Being and Identity Formation

<i>This study explored how discovering misattributed paternity in adulthood after commercial DNA testing impacts psychological well-being and identity formation. Thirty-three subjects participated this phenomenological qualitative study. Eighteen had experienced paternity, while the other 15 discovered due to being donor conceived. Three fundamental themes emerged both group donor-conceived that could be perceived as core are: (a) sadness, grief, loss; (b) seeking connection belonging; (c) betrayal anger. Other significant revealed by groups included: Otherness, Curiosity, Relief Comfort, Surprise, Acceptance, Empathy Rationalization. Additional also group, but not existential concerns, self-assuredness, right know advocacy. Overall, findings reveal unique experiences between groups, suggesting circumstances around conception discovery vary depending on status.</i>