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Problem behavior in international adoptees: II. Age at placement
F C Verhulst1, M Althaus, H J Versluis-den Bieman
1Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Older international adoptees face higher risks of behavioral issues and academic struggles. This highlights the critical impact of age at placement on child development and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adoption Studies
Background:
- International adoption presents unique challenges for child development.
- Age at placement is a critical factor influencing adoptee adjustment.
- Understanding long-term outcomes is crucial for supporting adoptees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age at placement and behavioral/emotional problems in international adoptees.
- To examine academic performance in relation to the age of international adoptees at placement.
- To identify specific behavioral syndromes associated with older placement ages in boys and girls.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving 2,148 international adoptees aged 10-15.
- Utilized Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to assess behavioral and emotional problems.
- Correlational analysis to determine the impact of age at placement on outcomes.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between older age at placement and increased probability of behavioral/emotional problems.
- Older placement age was associated with poorer academic performance.
- Adolescents aged 12-15 at placement showed higher risks for delinquent, uncommunicative (boys), cruel, depressed, and schizoid (girls) syndromes.
Conclusions:
- The age of international adoptees at the time of placement is a significant predictor of later behavioral and academic outcomes.
- Intervention strategies may be needed for older international adoptees to mitigate risks.
- Further research should explore mediating factors in the relationship between placement age and child adjustment.