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Problem behaviors of children adopted from the former soviet union

Cheryl B Robinson1, Teena M McGuinness, Andres Azuero

  • 1UAB School of Nursing, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing : Official Publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, Inc
|February 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A supportive adoptive family environment is linked to fewer behavioral problems in children adopted from the former Soviet Union. This protective effect was observed over time, suggesting family dynamics play a key role in child development.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding the long-term health and behavioral outcomes for children adopted internationally, particularly those from the former Soviet Union (USSR).
  • Pre-adoptive circumstances can influence a child's adjustment and development within their new family environment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess behavioral changes in children adopted from the former USSR across three distinct developmental stages.
  • To investigate the impact of the adoptive family environment on the emergence and persistence of problem behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study tracking a cohort of adopted children from approximately age 8 to 15 years.
  • Utilized validated instruments including the Child Behavior Checklist and Family Environment Scale.
  • Employed parental reports to gather comprehensive data on child behavior and family dynamics.

Main Results:

  • A stable and supportive family environment, characterized by low conflict and high cohesion, was inversely associated with problem behaviors.
  • The influence of risk factors appeared to diminish over time.
  • Female gender was identified as a factor contributing to problem behaviors as children aged.

Conclusions:

  • A protective and nurturing adoptive family environment can mitigate problem behaviors in children adopted from the former USSR.
  • The findings underscore the critical role of family dynamics in supporting the positive adjustment and development of internationally adopted children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Familyinternational adoptionproblem behavior

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