IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v19y2022i18p11283-d909724.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

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
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/18/11283/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/18/11283/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    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.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Alves, Stephanie & Ribeiro, Catarina Gomes & Pastor, Isabel & Henriques, Margarida Rangel, 2023. "Integrating a child into an adoptive family in times of COVID-19: Lessons learned from adopters’ and professionals’ views," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Liao, Minli & White, Kevin R., 2014. "Post-permanency service needs, service utilization, and placement discontinuity for kinship versus non-kinship families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 370-378.
    2. Denby, Ramona W. & Alford, Keith A. & Ayala, Jessica, 2011. "The journey to adopt a child who has special needs: Parents' perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(9), pages 1543-1554, September.
    3. 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.
    4. Merritt, Darcey H. & Festinger, Trudy, 2013. "Post-adoption service need and access: Differences between international, kinship and non-kinship foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 1913-1922.
    5. Liao, Minli, 2016. "Factors affecting post-permanency adjustment for children in adoption or guardianship placements: An ecological systems analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 131-143.
    6. 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.
    7. Goldberg, Abbie E. & Virginia, Haylie & Logan, Maddie & Silvert, Lea & McCormick, Nora, 2023. "“If only we knew…”: An exploratory study of parents of adopted adolescents seeking residential treatment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    8. White, Kevin R. & Wu, Qi, 2014. "Application of the life course perspective in child welfare research," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 146-154.
    9. Goodwin, Bonni & Madden, Elissa & Singletary, Jon & Scales, T. Laine, 2020. "Adoption workers’ perspectives on adoption adjustment and the honeymoon period," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    10. Lasio, Diego & Chessa, Silvia & Chistolini, Marco & Lampis, Jessica & Serri, Francesco, 2021. "Expecting an already born child: Prospective adoptive parents’ expectations in intercountry adoption," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    11. Santos-Nunes, Marta & Narciso, Isabel & Vieira-Santos, Salomé & Roberto, Magda Sofia, 2018. "Adoptive parents' evaluation of expectations and children's behavior problems: The mediational role of parenting stress and parental satisfaction," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 11-17.
    12. Herbster, Julia M. & Ocasio, Kerrie, 2021. "The complex relationship between sibling contact and child and family well-being in foster care: An exploration of child and family functioning in a pre-permanency cohort," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    13. 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.
    14. Wilson, Samantha L. & Weaver, Terri L. & Cradock, Mary Michaeleen & Kuebli, Janet E., 2008. "A preliminary study of the cognitive and motor skills acquisition of young international adoptees," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 585-596, May.
    15. Bergsund, Hans Bugge & Drozd, Filip & Hansen, Marit Bergum & Jacobsen, Heidi, 2018. "Pre-adoption training: Experiences and recommendations from adoptive parents and course trainers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 282-289.
    16. Wright, Lois & Flynn, Cynthia C., 2006. "Adolescent adoption: Success despite challenges," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 487-510, May.
    17. Goodwin, Bonni & Madden, Elissa, 2020. "Factors associated with adoption breakdown following implementation of the Fostering Connections Act: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    18. Lopes Almeida, Maíra & Souza Schwochow, Monique & Bitencourt Frizzo, Giana, 2021. "Associations between symptoms of common mental disorders, parental satisfaction and consideration for adoption breakdown in Brazilian adoptive parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    19. Ana Luz Chorão & Maria Cristina Canavarro & Raquel Pires, 2022. "Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-20, November.
    20. 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.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11283-:d:909724. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.