This study examined several key social and psychological variables that may impede the grief process for women who have relinquished an infant for adoption. 264 women, eighteen years or older, participated in the study. A major finding of the study was that higher levels of grief were associated with the birth mother's perception that she was coerced into relinquishment by others. It was also found that higher levels of grief were associated with feelings of guilt and shame regarding the decision to relinquish.