Problems experienced by adolescents already in families that adopt older children

Many families adopt school-aged children, yet the impact of such adoptions on children already in the family is virtually unknown. This paper reports results from a questionnaire administered to a small sample of adolescents concerning difficulties experienced with both newly adopted school-aged siblings and, for comparison, other children already in the family. Difficulties with all siblings were seen primarily as hassles. The adoptee was, however, reported as creating more problems than "old" siblings. The problems with the adoptee, but not with other siblings, suggested invasion of "turf" and, more particularly, interference with parent-child relationships. Difficulties are discussed in relation to their impact on the family system.