A systematic review methodology was used to evaluate research regarding psychological interventions for adoptive parents. The effectiveness of the diverse intervention models scrutinised was found to be mixed with regard to a range of parent and child outcomes. When service user feedback was sought, psychological interventions were found to be acceptable to adoptive parents. Overall, findings were weakened by multiple sources of potential bias in the studies reviewed. Further research is needed, with particular attention to the method, site and timing of outcome measurement, before firm clinical recommendations can be made regarding the relative benefit of specific models of psychological intervention for adoptive parents. Implications for future research are discussed with reference to the unique contextual challenges of conducting clinical studies with adoptive families.
AchenbachTM (1991) Manual for the Child Behavior Checklist 4–18 and 1991 Profile, Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry.
3.
Agbayani C (2014) Exploration of attachment-focused family therapy utility: parenting sexually abused adopted children. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Minneapolis, MN: Capella University.
4.
Ainsworth MD S, Blehar MC, Waters E and Wall S (1978) Patterns of Attachment: Assessed in the strange situation and at home. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
5.
BAAF (British Association for Adoption and Fostering) (2006) Attachment Disorders, their Assessment and Intervention/Treatment: BAAF Position Statement 4. No longer available.
6.
Bakermans-KranenburgMJvan IJzendoornMHMesmanJ, et al. (2008) Effects of an attachment-based intervention on daily cortisol moderated by dopamine receptor D4: a randomized control trial on 1- to 3-year-olds screened for externalizing behaviour. Development & Psychopathology20(03): 805–820.
7.
Becker-WeidmanA (2006) Treatment for children with reactive attachment disorder: dyadic developmental psychotherapy. Child & Adolescent Mental Health13(1): 52.
8.
Benjamin JL (2010) Biopsychosocial-based versus behavioral-based parenting model: a clinical trial for adoptive parents with attachment-challenged children. Unpublished doctoral thesis. San Diego, CA: Alliant International University.
9.
BlackN (1996) Why we need observational studies to evaluate the effectiveness of health care. BMJ312: 1215–1218.
BowlbyJ (1982) Attachment and loss: retrospect and prospect. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry52(4): 664–678.
12.
Carnes-Holt K (2010) Child–parent relationship therapy (CPRT) with adoptive families: effects on child behaviour, parent–child relationship stress, and parental empathy. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Denton, TX: University of North Texas.
13.
Carnes-HoltKBrattonS (2014) The efficacy of child–parent relationship therapy for adopted children with attachment disruptions. Journal of Counseling & Development92(3): 328–337.
14.
CassidyJMohrJJ (2001) Unsolvable fear, trauma, and psychopathology: theory, research, and clinical considerations related to disorganized attachment across the lifespan. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice8(3): 275–298.
15.
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (2008) Systematic Reviews: CRD’s guidance for undertaking reviews in health care, York: University of York.
16.
CoakleyJFBerrickJD (2008) Research review: in a rush to permanency: preventing adoption disruption. Child & Family Social Work13(1): 101–112.
17.
Cochrane Collaboration (2011) The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions: Version 5.1.0. Available at: http://handbook-5-1.cochrane.org.
18.
CollinsNL (1996) Working models of attachment: implications for explanation, emotion, and behavior. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology71(4): 810.
19.
ColonnesiCWissinkIBNoomMJ, et al. (2013) Basic trust: an attachment oriented intervention based on mind-mindedness in adoptive families. Research on Social Work Practice23(2): 179–188.
20.
CrnicKABoothCL (1991) Mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of daily hassles of parenting across early childhood. Journal of Marriage and Family53(4): 1042–1050.
DozierM (2003) Attachment-based treatment for vulnerable children. Attachment & Human Development5(3): 253–257.
23.
Epstein MH and Sharma JM (1998) Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale: A strength-based approach to assessment: examiner’s manual. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.
24.
EybergSMBoggsSR (1989) Parent training for oppositional-defiant preschoolers. In: SchaeferCEBriesmeisterJM (eds) Handbook of Parent Training: Parents as co-therapists for children's behaviour problems, New York: Wiley, pp. 105–132.
25.
EybergSMRobinsonEA (1982) Parent–child interaction training: effects on family functioning. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology11(2): 130–137.
26.
EybergSMRossAW (1978) Assessment of child behavior problems: the validation of a new inventory. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology7(2): 113–116. DOI: 10.1080/15374417809532835.
27.
FaverCAAlanisE (2012) Fostering empathy through stories: a pilot program for special needs adoptive families. Children & Youth Services Review34(4): 660–665.
28.
FisherPAStoolmillerM (2008) Intervention effects on foster parent stress: associations with child cortisol levels. Development and Psychopathology20(03): 1003–1021.
29.
ForbesHPostB (2006) Beyond Consequences: Logic and control – a love-based approach to helping children with severe behaviors, Orlando, FL: Beyond Consequences.
30.
GarvinMCTarulloARVan RyzinMGunnarMR (2012) Post-adoption parenting and socioemotional development in post-institutionalized children. Development & Psychopathology24(1): 35–48.
GoldbergDPHillierVF (1979) A scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire. Psychological Medicine9(01): 139–145.
34.
Golding KS (2006) Fostering Attachment in Children who are Looked After and Adopted. Unpublished document.
35.
GoldingKPickenW (2004) Group work for foster carers caring for children with complex problems. Adoption & Fostering Journal28(1): 25–37.
36.
GoodmanR (1997) The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: a research note. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry38(5): 581–586.
37.
Gurney-SmithBGrangerCRandleAFletcherJ (2010) ‘In time and in tune’: the fostering attachments group, capturing sustained change in both caregiver and child. Adoption & Fostering34(4): 50–60.
38.
Hembree-KiginTLMcNeilCB (1995) Parent–Child Interaction Therapy, New York: Plenum Press.
39.
HendersonKSargentN (2005) Developing the incredible years Webster-Stratton parenting skills training programme for use with adoptive families. Adoption & Fostering29(4): 34–44.
40.
HodgesJSteeleMHillmanS, et al. (2005) Change and continuity of mental representations of attachment after adoption. In: BrodzinskyDPalaciosJ (eds) Psychological Issues in Adoption, Westport, CT: Praeger, pp. 93–116.
41.
HolmesBSilverM (2010) Managing behaviour with attachment in mind. Adoption & Fostering34(1): 65–76.
42.
HoweD (2006) Developmental attachment psychotherapy with fostered and adopted children. Child & Adolescent Mental Health11(3): 128–134.
43.
HughesDA (2011) Attachment Focused Family Therapy, New York: WW Norton & Co.
44.
JohnstonCMashEJ (1989) A measure of parenting satisfaction and efficacy. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology18(2): 167–175.
45.
JufferFBakermans-KranenburgMJvan IJzendoornMH (2005) The importance of parenting in the development of disorganized attachment: evidence from a preventive intervention study in adoptive families. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry46(3): 263–274.
46.
JufferFHoksbergenRRiksen-WalravenJKohnstammG (1997) Early intervention in adoptive families: supporting maternal sensitive responsiveness, infant–mother attachment, and infant competence. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry38(8): 1039–1050.
47.
KernsKAKlepacLColeA (1996) Peer relationships and preadolescents’ perceptions of security in the child-mother relationship. Developmental Psychology 32. 3: 457–466.
48.
KerrLCossarJ (2014) Attachment interventions with foster and adoptive parents: a systematic review. Child Abuse Review23(6): 426–439.
49.
LandrethGLBrattonSC (2006) Child–Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): A ten-session filial therapy model, New York: Routledge.
50.
LiberatiAAltmanDGTetzlaffJ, et al. (2009) The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: explanation and elaboration. Annals of Internal Medicine151(4): 65–94.
51.
McAlpin EL (2013) Promoting parent–child secure attachment bonds in adoptive families through community-based family music groups: a heuristic grounded theory study. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Kansas City, KS: University of Missouri-Kansas City.
52.
MattsonSNRileyEP (1998) A review of the neurobehavioral deficits in children with fetal alcohol syndrome or prenatal exposure to alcohol. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research22(2): 279–294.
53.
MeinsE (1999) Sensitivity, security and internal working models: bridging the transmission gap. Attachment & Human Development1(3): 325–342.
54.
Meins E and Fernyhough C (2010) Mind-Mindedness Coding Manual: Version 2.0. Unpublished manuscript: Durham University.
55.
NalavanyBARyanSDHowardJASmithSL (2008) Pre-adoptive child sexual abuse as a predictor of moves in care, adoption disruptions, and inconsistent adoptive parent commitment. Child Abuse & Neglect32(12): 1084–1088.
56.
National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2015) Children’s attachment: attachment in children and young people who are adopted from care, in care or at high risk of going into care: NICE guideline [NG26]. Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng26.
57.
OhanJLLeungDWJohnstonC (2000) The parenting sense of competence scale: evidence of a stable factor structure and validity. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science32: 251–261.
58.
PollakSD (2008) Mechanisms linking early experience and the emergence of emotions: illustrations from the study of maltreated children. Current Directions in Psychological Science17(6): 370–375.
59.
PratherWGoldenJA (2009) A behavioral perspective of childhood trauma and attachment issues: toward alternative treatment approaches for children with a history of abuse. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation & Therapy5(1): 56–74.
60.
QuintonDRushtonADanceCMayesD (1998) Joining New Families: A study of adoption and fostering in middle childhood, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
61.
RandolphE (2000) Manual for the Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, Evergreen, CO: Attachment Center Press.
62.
Rosenboom LG (1994) Gemengde gezinnen, gemengde gevoelens? Hechting en competentie van adoptiebaby's in gezinnen met biologisch eigen kinderen [Mixed families, mixed feelings? Attachment and competence of adopted infants in families with their own biological children]. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Utrecht, NL: Utrecht University.
63.
RushtonA (2003) Support for adoptive families: a review of current evidence on problems, needs and effectiveness. Adoption & Fostering27(3): 41–50.
64.
Rushton A and Upright H (2012) Enhancing Adoptive Parenting: A parenting programme for use with new adopters of challenging children. London: BAAF. Available from: https://corambaaf.org.uk/bookshop.
65.
RushtonAMonckELeeseM, et al. (2010) Enhancing adoptive parenting: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Child Psychology & Psychiatry15(4): 529–542.
66.
RyanSMadsenM (2007) Filial family play therapy with an adoptive family: a response to pre-adoptive maltreatment. International Journal of Play Therapy16(2): 113–132.
67.
SalkeldCE (2008) Music therapy after adoption: the role of family music therapy in developing secure attachment in adopted children. In: OldfieldAFlowerC (eds) Music Therapy with Children and their Families, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp. 141–157.
68.
ScottS (2003) Integrating attachment theory with other approaches to developmental psychopathology. Attachment & Human Development5(3): 307–312.
69.
SelwynJdel TufoSFrazerL (2009) It’s a piece of cake? An evaluation of an adopter training programme. Adoption & Fostering33(1): 30–43.
70.
SherasPLAbidinRRKonoldTR (1998) Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents: Professional manual, Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources. Inc.
71.
StamsGJufferFvan IJzendoornMH (2002) Maternal sensitivity, infant attachment, and temperament in early childhood predict adjustment in middle childhood: the case of adopted children and their biologically unrelated parents. Developmental Psychology38(5): 806–821.
72.
StoverLGuerneyBGJrO’ConnellM (1971) Measurements of acceptance, allowing self-direction, involvement and empathy in adult-child interaction. The Journal of Psychology77(2): 261–269.
73.
StromR (1995) Parent as a Teacher, Bensenville, IL: Scholastic Testing Service.
74.
TimmerSGUrquizaAJHerschellAD, et al. (2006) Parent–child interaction therapy: application of an empirically supported treatment to maltreated children in foster care. Child Welfare85(6): 919–939.
75.
van IJzendoornMHKroonenbergPM (1988) Cross-cultural patterns of attachment: a meta-analysis of the strange situation. Child Development59(1): 147–156.
76.
Wassall S (2011) Evaluation of an attachment theory based parenting programme for adoptive parents and foster carers. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Birmingham, UK: University of Birmingham.
77.
Webster-StrattonCHollinsworthTKolpacoffM (1989) The long-term effectiveness and clinical significance of three cost-effective training programs for families with conduct-problem children. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology57(4): 550–553.
78.
WeirKLeeSCanosaPRodriguesN, et al. (2013) Whole family Theraplay: integrating family systems theory and Theraplay to treat adoptive families. Adoption Quarterly16(3-4): 175–200.
79.
WimmerJSVonkMEBordnickP (2009) A preliminary investigation of attachment therapy for adopted children with reactive attachment disorder. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal26(4): 351–360.
80.
WoolgarM (2013) The practical implications of the emerging findings in the neurobiology of maltreatment for looked after and adopted children: recognising the diversity of outcomes. Adoption & Fostering37(3): 237–252.
Supplementary Material
Please find the following supplemental material available below.
For Open Access articles published under a Creative Commons License, all supplemental material carries the same license as the article it is associated with.
For non-Open Access articles published, all supplemental material carries a non-exclusive license, and permission requests for re-use of supplemental material or any part of supplemental material shall be sent directly to the copyright owner as specified in the copyright notice associated with the article.
