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Behavior problems and attachment in adopted and non-adopted adolescents

Author

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  • Escobar, María Josefina
  • Pereira, Ximena
  • Santelices, María Pía

Abstract

Many studies have shown that adopted adolescents present more behavioral problems than non-adopted adolescents do. However, few studies have been published about national adoption in South America, even though this is the most common type of adoption in these countries. The goal of this study was to examine the differences in behavioral problems between nationally adopted and non-adopted adolescents (using Achenbach's Child Behavior Check-list (CBCL) and the Youth Self Report (YSR)), as well as to examine the relationship between behavioral problems and attachment style in adolescents. Participants: 25 adolescents adopted at the age of 6months or older and 25 non-adopted adolescents. Results: No significant differences were found between groups in terms of behavioral problems. Adolescents adopted at a later age presented more “social problems” than those who were adopted earlier on. Even though the adopted adolescents presented more insecure attachment, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of behavioral problems and attachment style. There was a significant interaction between adoption and attachment on the Thought Problems scale of the YSR, with the non-adopted/insecure adolescents scoring higher. Possible interpretations of these results are presented in the discussion. In general, the adopted adolescents were not significantly different from the adolescents who grew up with their birth families. Furthermore, adoption within the first two years of life may represent a protective factor against “social problems” during adolescence. These findings may contribute to the de-stigmatization of adoption and a move away from the idea that adopted adolescents are “difficult”.

Suggested Citation

  • Escobar, María Josefina & Pereira, Ximena & Santelices, María Pía, 2014. "Behavior problems and attachment in adopted and non-adopted adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 59-66.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:42:y:2014:i:c:p:59-66
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.04.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Escobar, María Josefina & Santelices, María Pía, 2013. "Attachment in adopted adolescents. National adoption in Chile," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 488-492.
    2. Barcons, Natàlia & Abrines, Neus & Brun, Carme & Sartini, Claudio & Fumadó, Victoria & Marre, Diana, 2012. "Social relationships in children from intercountry adoption," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 955-961.
    3. Gleitman, Ilana & Savaya, Riki, 2011. "Adjustment of adolescent adoptees: The role of age of adoption and exposure to pre-adoption stressors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(5), pages 758-766, May.
    4. van den Dries, Linda & Juffer, Femmie & van IJzendoorn, Marinus H. & Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J., 2009. "Fostering security? A meta-analysis of attachment in adopted children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 410-421, March.
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    1. Nyambega Lilian Nyaboke & Stephen Asatsa, PhD & Peter Koros, PhD, 2022. "Relationship between Attachment Styles and Delinquent Behaviour among Adolescents in Foster Care Centers in Nairobi Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 6(9), pages 476-480, September.
    2. Balenzano, Caterina & Musso, Pasquale & Moro, Giuseppe & Cassibba, Rosalinda, 2021. "The relationship between preadoptive adversity and intercountry adoptees’ adjustment: A mediating or moderating role of adoptive parenting?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    3. Balenzano, Caterina & Coppola, Gabrielle & Cassibba, Rosalinda & Moro, Giuseppe, 2018. "Pre-adoption adversities and adoptees' outcomes: The protective role of post-adoption variables in an Italian experience of domestic open adoption," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 307-318.

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