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Post-Adoption Help-Seeking in Portugal: A Comprehensive Study on Parental Difficulties and Help-Seeking Behaviors and Perceptions

Author

Listed:
  • Stephanie Alves

    (ProChild CoLAB against Child Poverty and Social Exclusion, Campus de Azurém, Edifício 1, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Ana Luz Chorão

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Bárbara Caetano

    (Cognitive Behavioral Clinical Psychology Unit (UpC3), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Margarida Rangel Henriques

    (ProChild CoLAB against Child Poverty and Social Exclusion, Campus de Azurém, Edifício 1, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
    Center of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sciences of Education of the University of Porto, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Oporto, Portugal)

  • Isabel Pastor

    (ProChild CoLAB against Child Poverty and Social Exclusion, Campus de Azurém, Edifício 1, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
    Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Raquel Pires

    (Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

Effective psychological parenting interventions delivered to adoptive parents may prevent serious adjustment difficulties and promote a healthy functioning; however, less is known about adoptive parents’ specific parental difficulties and help-seeking behaviors and perceptions, the understanding of which is deemed necessary to design well-informed interventions. This study aimed to describe parental difficulties, help-seeking behaviors, satisfaction with, and perceived barriers to seek, professional help, and acceptability of psychological parenting interventions among Portuguese adoptive parents. Comparisons with biological parents (Study 1) and between adoptive parents that requested adoption-specialized and non-specialized support (i.e., adoption-specialized vs. non-specialized help-seekers) (Study 2) were explored. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Participants were 471 adoptive and 552 biological parents of children aged under 18 years who were recruited through schools, adoption agencies, and social networks. They completed measures assessing parental difficulties, help-seeking behaviors, satisfaction with, and perceived barriers to seek, professional help, and acceptability of psychological parenting interventions. Comparison tests between the study groups, Pearson’s correlations, analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate logistic regressions (MLR) were performed. Parents’ well-being and normative parenting challenges were the most frequent difficulties in both groups, but only associated with adoptive parents’ help-seeking. Although difficulties related to a child’s problems/parent–child relationship were more frequent among adoptive parents, adoption-related difficulties were rarely reported. Adoptive parents sought professional help more frequently, regardless of parental difficulties. Knowledge-related barriers to seeking help were the most frequent among adoptive parents. Adoption non-specialized help was less satisfactory. Acceptability of psychological parenting interventions was high, but dependent on parental difficulties. Implications for post-adoption services’ development are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie Alves & Ana Luz Chorão & Bárbara Caetano & Margarida Rangel Henriques & Isabel Pastor & Raquel Pires, 2022. "Post-Adoption Help-Seeking in Portugal: A Comprehensive Study on Parental Difficulties and Help-Seeking Behaviors and Perceptions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11283-:d:909724
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ryan, Scott D. & Nelson, Nina & Siebert, Carl F., 2009. "Examining the facilitators and barriers faced by adoptive professionals delivering post-placement services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 584-593, May.
    2. Dhami, Mandeep K. & Mandel, David R. & Sothmann, Katy, 2007. "An evaluation of post-adoption services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 162-179, February.
    3. Brooks, Devon & Allen, Joan & Barth, Richard P., 2002. "Adoption Services Use, Helpfulness, and Need: A Comparison of Public and Private Agency and Independent Adoptive Families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 213-238, April.
    4. Waid, Jeffrey & Alewine, Emily, 2018. "An exploration of family challenges and service needs during the post-adoption period," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 213-220.
    5. Reilly, Thom & Platz, Laurie, 2003. "Characteristics and Challenges of Families Who Adopt Children with Special Needs: An Empirical Study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(10), pages 781-803, October.
    6. Santos-Nunes, Marta & Narciso, Isabel & Vieira-Santos, Salomé & Roberto, Magda Sofia, 2017. "Parenting and emotional well-being of adoptive school-aged children: The mediating role of attachment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 390-399.
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