Family Structure as a Factor in the Adjustment of Adopted Children

Abstract

An analysis of the relationship between five types of adoptive family structure and the adjustment of adopted children, when seven to seven and a half years of age, indicates that the presence of a natural child born after adoption to a previously childless couple is associated with serious behavioural dysfunction in the adopted child. In this type of family the proportion of boys so maladjusted is 10 times greater than in the modal family type comprising adopted children only. In terms of specific manifestations, a greater proportion show habit and sleep disturbance, and problems of behaviour and eating. The findings are discussed critically, and potential fertility is suggested as a criterion for the selection of applicant couples who should be counselled to defer their adoption.

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