Emotional Disturbance in Adopted Adolescents: Origins and Development

by Harold D. Grotevant, Ruth Mcroy, Susan Zurcher

Overview

A report of research on two groups of residentially placed, emotionally disturbed adolescents compared on the basis of their adoptive status. A post hoc comparison with a nondisturbed adoptive group is also included. . . . McRoy, Grotevant, and Zurcher examine factors related to adoption that may contribute to the development of emotional difficulties. The authors' suggestions are worthy of consideration by professionals in the field. . . . The theoretical reviews of potential sources of difficulty in adoption are well done and informative, and the presentation of the perspectives of both adoptees and adoptive parents is also laudable. Choice

Many adopted children experience emotional disorders during adolescence that require residential treatment. This volume reports research findings comparing adopted and non-adopted adolescents in treatment. The authors first discuss the difficulties of the adolescent period itself, particularly as it relates to identity problems. Based on extensive interviews with adoptive and non-adoptive parents, adolescents, and their therapists, successive chapters analyze genetic risk and prenatal care, explore the impact of family and peer relationships, examine familiar and contextual factors that initiate and maintain emotional problems, and examine adoptive family dynamics and adoption issues in nonclinical families. The various theoretical perspectives research findings, and well-reasoned recommendations in this volume will interest social workers, clinical and developmental psychologists, and special education professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275929138
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/28/1988
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)
Lexile:	1340L (what's this?)

About the Author

RUTH G. MCROY is Associate Professor of Social Work and Ruby Lee Piester Centennial Fellow in Services to Children and Families at the University of Texas at Austin.

HAROLD D. GROTEVANT is Professor of Home Economics and Psychology and head of the division of Child Development and Family Relationships at the University of Texas at Austin.

LOUIS A. ZURCHER, Jr., was Ashbel Smith Professor of Social Work and Sociology at the University of Texas, Austin.

Table of Contents

Method
Child Background Factors: Genetic Risk, Prenatal, and Preplacement Factors
Early Childhood Factors and the Development of Parent-Child Compatibility
Family Relationships
Context of Family Relationships
Peer Relationships
Clinical Issues
Adoptive Family Dynamics: Background Factors and Communication Issues
Adoptive Family Dynamics: Adjustment and Identity Issues
Adoption Issues in Non-Clinical Families
Conclusion: Theoretical Issues
Conclusion: Practical Issues
Appendix
Bibliography
Index