This longitudinal study explored psychological adjustment, evaluated in terms of
self-concept and pathological symptomatology, in a nonclinical, community-based
sample of adult adoptees and a matched control group of nonadoptees. Also explored
was the role of adoption-related variables—age of placement of adoption,
openness to adoption, and reunion with biological parents as well as family
environment in predicting adjustment. Adoptees, as compared with nonadoptees, scored
lower on self-concept but higher on pathological symptomatology. Likewise, they
scored their families lower on all three dimensions of family
environment—relationships, personal growth, and system maintenance.
However, family environment variables were more predictive of adjustment in adoptees
than in nonadoptees. Age of placement and openness to adoption were also associated
with adoptees’ adjustment.
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