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.

All adopted teens have questions-questions about their adoptive family, about their birth parents, and about how adoption has affected and will continue to affect their lives. But not every adopted teen knows how to approach these questions or how to handle the intense emotions and high stress often associated with them. This guide has answers. Based on true stories, extensive research, and Danea Gorbett's own in addition to her background in psychology and education, Adopted Teens Only delivers: Suggestions for bringing up sensitive topics with all types of adoptive parents Insight on what your adoptive parents might be going through True stories of birth mothers Practical information on whether and how to search for birth parents Seasoned advice on what to expect and how to prepare for reuniting with a birth parent. Gorbett offers confirmation that what you feel, think, wonder, and worry about as an adopted teen is normal and important, and she helps you acknowledge and celebrate the unique gifts and many advantages of growing up adopted. Comforting, empowering, and ultimately practical, Adopted Teens Only is the indispensable survival guide for adopted adolescents and anyone who loves them.

This manual presents a structured, evidence-based protocol for mental health treatment for families that adopt vulnerable children. Children who are adopted at an older age through foster care and those adopted from overseas orphanages are at high risk for behavioral and emotional distress. This important manual presents a structured, evidence-based protocol for providing mental health treatment to families adopting vulnerable children. Drawing on their extensive clinical experience as founding members of premier national organizations that serve adopted children and their families, the authors of this book describe the typical presenting behavioral problems of adopted children, as well as the underlying issues contributing to these problems that uniquely affect adoptive families. These include concerns related to parent child attachment, loss and grief, trauma, the child's understanding of his or her adoption "story," identity development, and birth family connections. Therapy sessions deliver evidence based child coping strategies and positive parenting approaches that are tailored to account for the child's past history, alongside resiliency focused, trauma competent, attachment based treatment. The book's companion website provides free in-session handouts for practitioners. Given the unique needs of this clinical population, this book is essential for therapists who treat adopted and foster youth and their families.