Psychological Problems in Adopted Children Essay Sample

Adopting and fostering children creates a supportive environment for children to successfully transition into adulthood however, experiencing mental health consequences, as a result of inherent loss from adoption is common. This is reflected in higher rates of diagnoses of depression, anxiety, bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder, (Blanchfield, 2022), and prevalent attachment issues. Consequently, from the inherent trauma and loss experienced, several studies convey that adoption affects lifelong experiences of intimate relationships and mental health where the risk is higher in adoptees. This was discovered from a vast amount of research and studies of domestically adopted adult participants, requiring surveys and interviews. 

Loss is common for adoptees and fostered children. Throughout their lives and transitioning to adulthood, psychosocial struggles with attachment in relationships, identity and fear of rejection are needed to be coped with. Adopting and fostering, is the loss of an essential attachment followed by the sudden formation of a new one. Attachment theory has allowed adoption researchers to explore adoption’s impact psychologically and developmentally on adoptees (Vaccaro, 2012). Theorised by psychologist John Bowlby, the attachment theory is a process in which a young child develops a comfortable and secure relationship with their primary caregiver, creating a base for social and emotional development, the child acknowledges the caregiver will comfort them when they need assistance. When adoption and fostering occurs, this natural attachment process and bond is broken, stability and security is not developed and negative internal thinking patterns are manifested in adulthood relationships.  As a result, negative attachment styles - avoidant and ambivalent - from fear of abandonment and rejection can generate fear of commitment and self-perception of being unworthy of love and attention. Subsequently, adoptees experience a more complex approach to overall relationships than non adopted individuals. The multiple studies spanning several decades examine the approaches for better understanding of attachment, and informing clinical practices specific to adoptees (Groncki, 2010). A study in 2012, surveyed 84 males on the impact adoption had on attachment and experience with loss and grief. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 74, and 71% had been to psychotherapy (Vaccaro, 2012). The results reflected the lack of emotional coping and struggle speaking about adoption due to the grief and shame felt, “Rejection at birth from a man’s own mother is rather pathetic,” “Many feel that researching their feelings will bring up old wounds.” A majority of adoptees (76%) reveal adoption negatively impacted their sense of belonging, impeded emotional growth and inhibited psychological adjustment, unfolding insecurities within 52% of participants. This was reflected in feeling like an outsider in social dynamics, and lower self esteem, “I believe [my] coldness comes from the sense of isolation an adopted child feels,” “My place in this world … was not a source of joy for people. It was a source of sorrow and anger…I have to justify my place here.” However, within romantic relationships, 64% of men reported a positive impact, that the experiences of adoption made them more considerate, compassionate and loyal. There has not been a recent study specifically on women adoptee’s experience with romantic relationships, nevertheless, the general consensus throughout decades perceive adoption plays a role in the attachment and behaviours within romantic relationships, dependent on the attachment style formed, (Charman, 2020). 

Adoptees expressed the inherent trauma of adoption impacting the attachment process leading to altered internal working patterns, impacting relationships in adulthood. These studies are influential in understanding the psychology of adopted individuals to better understand how adoptive experiences shape life.