An Examination of the Relationships Between Parenting and the Psychological and Behavioural Adjustment of Adopted Children

<p dir="ltr">Adopted children are a heterogeneous group with diverse life experiences. However, one commonality is that they have been separated from their earliest attachment figures, often during their critical developmental years. Therefore, compared to non-adopted children, they may experience greater attachment, emotional and behavioural difficulties. There are multiple contextual factors which may impact adoptees’ experiences, including their age at adoption (AAA) and their adoption status (international or domestic adoption), which both warrant unique examination. Furthermore, the parenting that children receive post-adoption is one of many factors which play an integral role in their post-adoptive adjustment.</p><p dir="ltr">Chapter One encompasses a systematic review examining the relationships between various aspects of parenting and the psychological (attachment, emotional wellbeing) and behavioural adjustment of internationally adopted children. Thirteen studies were narratively synthesised, highlighting the importance of three parenting dimensions: parenting style, parental sensitivity and parental reflective functioning. Parenting characterised as warm, sensitive, reflective and communicative appeared to facilitate healthier adjustment. Conversely, harsh and insensitive parenting and parental mentalisation difficulties seemingly contributed to greater maladjustment. The AAA findings were varied, though earlier AAA was typically associated with more favourable outcomes when compared to later-adopted children.</p><p dir="ltr">Chapter Two sought to expand the existing adoptive parenting evidence base. Using parent-report measures, I uniquely examined the relationships between parental locus of control (PLC) and the emotional and behavioural adjustment of 224 domestically adopted children. Given the novelty of researching PLC in adoptive families, AAA was also explored as a possible moderator of these relationships. The findings indicated that when adoptive parents perceived that they had little control, responsibility or influence over their child’s adjustment, this was related to their child experiencing more emotional and behavioural difficulties. However, AAA did not moderate these relationships. Avenues for future research and clinical implications are discussed.</p>