A report of research on two groups of residentially placed, emotionally disturbed adolescents compared on the basis of their adoptive status. A post hoc comparison with a nondisturbed adoptive group is also included. . . . McRoy, Grotevant, and Zurcher examine factors related to adoption that may contribute to the development of emotional difficulties. The authors' suggestions are worthy of consideration by professionals in the field. . . . The theoretical reviews of potential sources of difficulty in adoption are well done and informative, and the presentation of the perspectives of both adoptees and adoptive parents is also laudable. Choice Many adopted children experience emotional disorders during adolescence that require residential treatment. This volume reports research findings comparing adopted and non-adopted adolescents in treatment. The authors first discuss the difficulties of the adolescent period itself, particularly as it relates to identity problems. Based on extensive interviews with adoptive and non-adoptive parents, adolescents, and their therapists, successive chapters analyze genetic risk and prenatal care, explore the impact of family and peer relationships, examine familiar and contextual factors that initiate and maintain emotional problems, and examine adoptive family dynamics and adoption issues in nonclinical families. The various theoretical perspectives research findings, and well-reasoned recommendations in this volume will interest social workers, clinical and developmental psychologists, and special education professionals.

The present study was aimed at measuring the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents living with adoptive families. The study compared 30 adopted and non-adopted adolescents on the APRS and APQP.Results indicated that 70% of adopted adolescents obtained high scores for psychosocial adjustment on the APRS, indicating that early placement in adoptive environment does not lead to any adverse effects on adolescents. 90% of adopted adolescents also obtained high scores in the social domain, indicating that adopted adolescents enjoy a good social support thus helping to build a positive self esteem. The findings revealed that the adopted adolescents had at least one close friend with whom they could confide and share their problems. 99% of the adopted adolescents thought of themselves as "lucky" to have set of wonderful parents. The psychological score indicated that there was presence of emotional disturbance, thus leading to mood swings in the adolescents. 96.67% of the adolescents were aware of their adoptive status, having been informed about it by their parents. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the adopted and non-adopted adolescents.