Turmoil for Adoptees during their Adolescence?

Abstract

During the last two decades in the Netherlands foreign adoptions have increased compared to domestic adoptions. In this paper, research studies concerning causes and characteristics of problem behaviour of adopted adolescents are discussed. Adopted adolescents, in particular, face more emotional problems compared to their nonadopted peers, as evidenced in parent reports. However, on the basis of reports from adopted adolescents, coping with four of Havighurst’s developmental tasks is satisfactory. However, adopted adolescents report more feelings of insecurity and emotional tension concerning their gender experience with regard to their physical appearance compared to their Dutch peers. Based on the research reviewed and clinical experience at the Utrecht Adoption Centre, risk factors in adoption are summarised.

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