A comparative study of behaviour problems between adopted and nonadopted children in India

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Cross-Cultural Psychology

Background:

• Existing literature indicates a higher risk of behavioral problems in adopted children.
• Previous studies were primarily conducted in Western psycho-cultural settings.
• The Indian context presents unique cultural factors potentially influencing adoption outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate behavioral problems in adopted children within the Indian context.
• To compare psycho-social adjustment between adopted and non-adopted Indian children.
• To determine if findings from Western studies are consistent in India.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of adopted and non-adopted children using Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ), ADHD rating scale, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, and Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents (SAICA).
• Assessment of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) using Malin's intelligence scale for Indian children (MISIC).
• Diagnosis of psychopathology using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV).

Main Results:

• Adopted children reported more behavioral problems (PSQ).
• Adopted children demonstrated lower social competence (SAICA).
• No significant differences were found in parenting practices or IQ between groups.

Conclusions:

• Psycho-social consequences of adoption in India mirror those found internationally.
• Adopted children in India face a higher incidence of behavioral problems.
• Cultural context does not alter the fundamental psycho-social challenges associated with adoption.