Topic: Child development and relationships in an adoptive family
Author
Zoë Breen Wood, Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, United States (Presenting Author)
1 Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
Co-author(s)
Nancy Rolock, Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, United States
1 Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
Rong Bai, East Carolina University, School of Social Work, Greenville, United States
1 East Carolina University, Greenville, United States
Kevin White, East Carolina University, School of Social Work, Greenville, United States
1 East Carolina University, Greenville, United States
Jeesoo Jeon, Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, United States
1 Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
Braveheart Gillani, Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, United States
1 Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
Koh Eun, Catholic University, National Catholic School of Social Service, Washington, United States
1 Catholic University, Washington, United States
Ringeisen Heather, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Institute, Raleigh, United States
1 Research Triangle Institute, Raleigh, United States
Domanico Rose, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Institute, Raleigh, United States
1 Research Triangle Institute, Raleigh, United States
Background/significance
In the United States, approximately 15% of adopted children no longer reside with their adoptive parent, referred to as “post adoption instability” (PAI). To prevent PAI we identify factors associated with family belonging that contribute to PAI.
Aim
The aim of this study is to explore the sense of family and belonging among young adults and their adoptive parents. Young adults (average age 24 years) and their adoptive parents, responded to questions about their adoption experience. Comparing results across responder, and by those who experienced PAI and those who did not, provide insights into adoptive family well-being.
Project description or research methods
This study surveyed 383 adoptees and/or their adoptive parents about experiences with PAI. This study specifically examines the responses of adoptees and their adoptive parents regarding their sense of family and belonging and explores whether these responses are associated with post-adoption instability (PAI).
Results
Among adoptees who experienced PAI, 46% reported they “completely/very much” belong to their adoptive family and 31% reported they “completely/very much” belong to their biological family. The logistic regression analysis revealed that adoptees with higher scores in family functioning (b = .11, SE = .04, p < .05) and nurturing and attachment (b = .20, SE = .06, p < .01) were significantly more likely to report an increased sense of closeness. Conversely, these factors showed different results when predicting the sense of belonging, with only family functioning being a significant predictor (b = .24, SE = .05, p < .01). From adoptive parents’ perspectives, higher levels of nurturing and attachment significantly increased the odds of adoptees experiencing a greater sense of closeness (OR=1.31, p < .01) and a sense of belonging (OR=1.28, p < .01).
Discussion and implications
Adoptees shared important insights about their adoptive family life that can help practitioners and policymakers better prepare and support these families.
