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Gunnar MR, Bowen M. What was learned from studying the effects of early institutional deprivation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 210:173272. [PMID: 34509501 PMCID: PMC8501402 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effect of experiences in infancy on human development is a central question in developmental science. Children raised in orphanage-like institutions for their first year or so of life and then adopted into well-resourced and supportive families provide a lens on the long-term effects of early deprivation and the capacity of children to recover from this type of early adversity. While it is challenging to identify cause-and-effect relations in the study of previously institutionalized individuals, finding results that are consistent with animal experimental studies and the one randomized study of removal from institutional care support the conclusion that many of the outcomes for these children were induced by early institutional deprivation. This review examines the behavioral and neural evidence for altered executive function, declarative memory, affective disorders, reward processing, reactivity to threat, risk-taking and sensation-seeking. We then provide a brief overview of the neurobiological mechanisms that may transduce early institutional experiences into effects on brain and behavior. In addition, we discuss implications for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Gunnar
- University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Maya Bowen
- University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Shi Q, Liew J, Ettekal I, Woltering S. Childhood Resilient Personality Trajectories and Associations with Developmental Trajectories of Behavioral, Social-emotional, and Academic Outcomes across Childhood and Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study Across 12 Years. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 177. [PMID: 33958836 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the continuity and change of childhood resilient personality (first three years in grade school), and how differential trajectories in resilient personality were dynamically associated with behavioral problems, social-emotional functioning and academic performance across the primary and secondary school years (Grade 1-12). Participants were 784 academically at-risk students predominantly from low SES families (47% girls, 37.4% Latino or Hispanic, 34.1% European American, and 23.2% African American) who were recruited in grade 1 (Mean age = 6.57) and followed annually through the final year of high school (Grade 12). Results revealed three distinct trajectories of childhood resilient personality, including an ego-resilient or flexible group (26.8%), an ego-brittle or inflexible group (21.9%), and an ordinary or common group (49.9%). Children in the ego-brittle group were at a greater risk for sustaining high levels of behavioral problems, low socio-emotional functioning (based on parent and teacher report), and poor academic performance across formal schooling. In contrast, the resilient children exhibited persistently low behavioral problems, high social-emotional functioning, and better academic performance across formal schooling. Findings also indicated that the protective effect of childhood resiliency was sustained even after the transition from childhood to adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinxin Shi
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, USA
| | - Jeffrey Liew
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, USA
| | - Idean Ettekal
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, USA
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Kim I, Oh WO. Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth Among University Students Who Experienced a Recent Earthquake. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2019; 40:176-184. [PMID: 30111197 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2018.1471759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Gyeongju City, South Korea, in 2016, traumatising and psychologically panicking residents. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for posttraumatic growth (PTG) among university students who experienced South Korea's largest earthquake. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was distributed to a convenience sample of 493 university students in Gyeongju City. Data were collected via 5 self-report questionnaires. PTG was found to be positively correlated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resilience and social support. Multiple regression analysis showed that PTSD (β = 0.519, p < .001), resilience (β = 0.213, p < .001), religion (β = 0.125, p = .001) and sex (female; β = 0.090, p = .010) were identified as predictive factors of PTG. These results illustrate a need for health care providers to include individual internal resources such as resilience in intervention strategies to promote PTG and decrease posttraumatic experiences in those who have experienced traumatic events such as earthquakes. A longitudinal study is needed to obtain more definitive evidence of PTSD progression and PTG over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inhong Kim
- a Department of Nursing, College of Medicine , Dongguk University , Gyeongju , South Korea
| | - Won-Oak Oh
- b College of Nursing , Korea University , Seoul , South Korea
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Sherr L, Roberts KJ, Croome N. Emotional distress, resilience and adaptability: a qualitative study of adults who experienced infant abandonment. Health Psychol Behav Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2017.1297238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Sherr
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kathryn J. Roberts
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Croome
- Department of Health Service and Population Research, King's College London, London, UK
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Xie X, Chen W, Lei L, Xing C, Zhang Y. The relationship between personality types and prosocial behavior and aggression in Chinese adolescents. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Koss KJ, Mliner SB, Donzella B, Gunnar MR. Early adversity, hypocortisolism, and behavior problems at school entry: A study of internationally adopted children. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 66:31-8. [PMID: 26773398 PMCID: PMC4788556 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is influenced by early life adversity; however, less is known about the potential for recovery following marked improvements in care. The present study examined longitudinal changes in children's cortisol reactivity in the laboratory (4 assessments over 2 years) after adoption. Post-institutionalized (N=65) and post-foster care children (N=49) demonstrated blunted reactivity relative to non-adopted peers (N=53). Furthermore, post-institutionalized children exhibited no evidence of expected adaptation to repeated sessions in the 2 years following adoption. As evidenced by blunted cortisol reactivity, flatter diurnal slope, and lower home morning cortisol, we found support for hypocortisolism among children experiencing adverse early care. Hypocortisolism served as a mediator between adversity and teacher-reported attention and externalizing problems during kindergarten. Early adversity appears to contribute to the down-regulation of the HPA axis under both basal and stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalsea J Koss
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.
| | - Shanna B Mliner
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, 51 E. River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Bonny Donzella
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, 51 E. River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Megan R Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, 51 E. River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
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Besharat MA, Kamali ZS. Predicting obsessions and compulsions according to superego and ego characteristics: A comparison between scrupulosity and non-religious obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Asian J Psychiatr 2016; 19:73-8. [PMID: 26957343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive images or impulses and/or ritualistic and rigid behaviors. Symptoms of OCD have different contents including contamination, harming and symmetry. Religion is one of the themes that has been observed in the context of OCD frequently. The aim of the present study was to examine the power of superego and ego characteristics in predicting scrupulosity and non-religious obsessions and compulsions, as well as comparing the two sets of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Sixty six Iranian (19 men, 47 women) participated in the study. All participants were asked to complete Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity, Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory, the Multidimensional Anger Inventory, and Ego Strength Scale. Results showed that perfectionism and anger were positively correlated with scrupulosity and non-religious obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Ego control was negatively correlated with scrupulosity, while ego resiliency was not correlated with any of these two sets of symptoms. Regression analysis indicated that among these variables, anger was the best predictor of non-religious obsessive-compulsive symptoms, while perfectionism and ego control were the best predictors of scrupulosity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeynab Sadat Kamali
- Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, PO Box 14155-6456, Tehran, Iran
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Internalizing disorder in adopted versus non-adopted adults: a NESARC based study. Compr Psychiatry 2014; 55:1595-600. [PMID: 24974283 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study consisted of comparing lifetime prevalence rates and odds ratios of anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders in adopted-versus-non-adopted people in a nationally representative sample. The data were drawn from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). The main outcome measure was the prevalence of lifetime internalizing psychiatric disorders in adopted (n=378) versus non-adopted (n=42,503) individuals. Adoptees and non-adoptees were compared to estimate the odds of lifetime internalizing disorders using logistic regression analyses. Adoptees had higher prevalence rates of several lifetime mood and anxiety disorders compared with non-adoptees, with a 1.61-fold increase (95% CI 1.29-2.02) in the odds of any mood disorder and a 1.49-fold increase (95% CI 1.18-1.89) in the odds of any anxiety disorder compared with non-adoptees. Regarding specific mood and anxiety disorders, adoptees had increased odds of major depressive disorder, bipolar I disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Disorders not differing between adoptees and non-adoptees included dysthymia, bipolar II disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, social phobia, and psychotic disorder. One adoption-specific risk factor was associated with lifetime mood disorder (i.e., Asian/Pacific Island). In conclusion, adoptees in a large sample from the general population had higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders compared to non-adoptees.
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Kim OM, Reichwald R, Lee RM. Cultural Socialization in Families with Adopted Korean Adolescents: A Mixed-Method, Multi-Informant Study. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2013; 28. [PMID: 24235782 DOI: 10.1177/0743558411432636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transracial, transnational families understand and transmit cultural socialization messages in ways that differ from same-race families. This study explored the ways in which transracial, transnational adoptive families discuss race and ethnicity and how these family discussions compared to self-reports from adoptive parents and adolescents regarding the level of parental engagement in cultural socialization. Of the thirty families with at least one adolescent-aged child (60% female, average age 17.8 years) who was adopted from South Korea, nine families acknowledged racial and ethnic differences, six families rejected racial and ethnic differences, and fifteen families held a discrepancy of views. Parents also reported significantly greater engagement in cultural socialization than adolescents' reports of parental engagement. However, only adolescent self-reports of parental engagement in cultural socialization matched the qualitative coding of family conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oh Myo Kim
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus
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Joseph J. The lost study: a 1998 adoption study of personality that found no genetic relationship between birthparents and their 240 adopted-away biological offspring. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 45:93-124. [PMID: 23865114 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-397946-9.00005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In 1998, Robert Plomin and his Colorado Adoption Project (CAP) colleagues published the results of a longitudinal adoption study of personality. They found an average personality test score correlation of only 0.01 between birthparents and their 240 adopted-away 16-year-old biological offspring, suggesting no genetic influences on personality. However, the researchers interpreted their results in the context of previous twin studies, produced an average 14% heritability estimate, and concluded that nonadditive genetic factors underlie personality traits. The author challenges these conclusions and notes that the near-zero correlation stands in contrast to other types of behavioral genetic methods, such as twin studies, that are more vulnerable to environmental confounds and other biases. The author shows that authoritative psychology texts frequently fail to mention this 1998 CAP study. When it is mentioned, the original researchers' conclusions are usually accepted without critical analysis. The author also assesses the results in the context of the 20-year failure to discover the genes that behavioral geneticists believe underlie personality traits. He concludes that this 1998 investigation is a "lost study" in the sense that, although it is one of the most methodologically sound behavioral genetic studies ever performed, its results are largely unknown.
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Causadias JM, Salvatore JE, Sroufe LA. Early Patterns of Self-Regulation as Risk and Promotive Factors in Development: A Longitudinal Study from Childhood to Adulthood in a High-Risk Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2012; 36:293-302. [PMID: 23155299 DOI: 10.1177/0165025412444076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study examines two childhood markers of self-regulation, ego-control and ego-resiliency, as promotive factors for the development of global adjustment and as risk factors for the development of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in a high-risk sample. Teachers and observers rated ego-control and ego-resiliency when participants (n = 136) were in preschool and elementary school. Ratings showed evidence for convergent and discriminant validity and stability over time. Ego-resiliency, but not ego-control, emerged as powerful predictor of adaptive functioning at age 19 and 26, as well as internalizing and externalizing problems at 16, 23, 26, and 32 years. We interpret these findings as evidence that flexibility and adaptability -measured with ego-resiliency- may reduce risk and promote successful adaptation in low-SES environments.
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Jun YS, Kim TH, Hwang ST, Kwon EJ, Lim MO. Temperament and Character Traits of Adolescents by Ego Resilience and Ego Control Level. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2012. [DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.2012.23.1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Eisenberg N, Haugen R, Spinrad TL, Hofer C, Chassin L, Zhou Q, Kupfer A, Smith CL, Valiente C, Liew J. Relations of Temperament to Maladjustment and Ego Resiliency in At-Risk Children. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2010; 19:577-600. [PMID: 20567606 PMCID: PMC2887699 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9507.2009.00550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe relations of control/regulation‐related temperamentally based dispositions (effortful control (EC), impulsivity, and approach/avoidance) to externalizing problems and personality ego resiliency were examined in a sample of 467 children (M age = 7.46 years), some of whom were children of alcoholics (COAs). In addition, we examined if the relations of temperamental regulation/control to maladjustment/ego resiliency were moderated by COA status or sex of the child. In general, regulated, controlled temperament was negatively related to externalizing problems and EC was positively related to ego resiliency. Relations between a problematic temperament and externalizing problems were stronger and sometimes only found for COAs, especially male COAs. Ego resiliency was positively related to high father‐reported approach for boys who were not sons of alcoholics. In addition, COA status was related to high impulsivity, approach behavior, and externalizing problems and low EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Eisenberg
- Nancy Eisenberg, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University; Rg Hagen, Division of Psychology in Education, Arizona State University; Tracy L. Spinrad, Department of Family and Human Development, Arizona State University; Claire Hofer, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University; Laurie Chassin, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University; Qing Zhou, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University; Arizona State University; Anne Kupfer, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University; Cynthia L. Smith, Arizona State University; Carlos Valiente, Department of Family and Human Development, Arizona State University; Jeffrey Liew, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University
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Relations of parenting style to Chinese children's effortful control, ego resilience, and maladjustment. Dev Psychopathol 2009; 21:455-77. [PMID: 19338693 DOI: 10.1017/s095457940900025x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the relations of authoritative parenting and corporal punishment to Chinese first and second graders' effortful control (EC), impulsivity, ego resilience, and maladjustment, as well as mediating relations. A parent and teacher reported on children's EC, impulsivity, and ego resilience; parents reported on children's internalizing symptoms and their own parenting, and teachers and peers reported on children's externalizing symptoms. Authoritative parenting and low corporal punishment predicted high EC, and EC mediated the relation between parenting and externalizing problems. In addition, impulsivity mediated the relation of corporal punishment to externalizing problems. The relation of parenting to children's ego resilience was mediated by EC and/or impulsivity, and ego resilience mediated the relations of EC and impulsivity to internalizing problems.
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van Nieuwenhuijzen M, Orobio de Castro B, van Aken MAG, Matthys W. Impulse control and aggressive response generation as predictors of aggressive behaviour in children with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intelligence. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2009; 53:233-242. [PMID: 18691355 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing interest exists in mechanisms involved in behaviour problems in children with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intelligence (MID/BI). Social problem solving difficulties have been found to be an explanatory mechanism for aggressive behaviour in these children. However, recently a discrepancy was found between automatic and reflective responding in social situations. We hypothesise that low impulse control and aggressive social problem solving strategies together may explain mechanisms involved in aggressive behaviour by children with MID/BI. METHOD In a clinical sample of 130 children with MID/BI receiving intramural treatment, main, moderating and mediating effects of impulse control and aggressive response generation on aggressive behaviour were examined by conducting hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Independent main effects of both impulse control and aggressive response generation on aggressive behaviour were found. Results indicated that low impulse control and aggressive response generation each explain unique variance in aggressive behaviour. CONCLUSIONS As this study is the first that has shown both impulse control and aggressive response generation to be important predictors for aggressive behaviour in children with MID/BI, future research should further examine the nature of relations between low impulse control and social problem solving.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van Nieuwenhuijzen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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van Ijzendoorn MH, Juffer F. The Emanuel Miller Memorial Lecture 2006: adoption as intervention. Meta-analytic evidence for massive catch-up and plasticity in physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2006; 47:1228-45. [PMID: 17176378 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01675.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adopted children have been said to be difficult children, scarred by their past experiences in maltreating families or neglecting orphanages, or by genetic or pre- and perinatal problems. Is (domestic or international) adoption an effective intervention in the developmental domains of physical growth, attachment security, cognitive development and school achievement, self-esteem, and behaviour problems? METHOD Through a series of meta-analyses on more than 270 studies that include more than 230,000 adopted and non-adopted children and their parents an adoption catch-up model was tested. RESULTS Although catch-up with current peers was incomplete in some developmental domains (in particular, physical growth and attachment), adopted children largely outperformed their peers left behind. Adoptions before 12 months of age were associated with more complete catch-up than later adoptions for height, attachment, and school achievement. International adoptions did not lead to lower rates of catch-up than domestic adoptions in most developmental domains. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that adoption is an effective intervention leading to massive catch-up. Domestic and international adoptions can be justified on ethical grounds if no other solutions are available. Humans are adapted to adopt, and adoption demonstrates the plasticity of child development.
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Bromley E, Johnson JG, Cohen P. Personality strengths in adolescence and decreased risk of developing mental health problems in early adulthood. Compr Psychiatry 2006; 47:315-24. [PMID: 16769307 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2005.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Revised: 07/20/2005] [Accepted: 11/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether personality strengths during adolescence are associated with decreased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, educational or occupational problems, violent or criminal behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties during early adulthood. A representative community sample of 688 mothers from upstate New York and their offspring was interviewed in the period of 1985-1986 (mean offspring age = 16 years) and in that of 1991-1993 (mean offspring age = 22 years). Results showed that youths with numerous personality strengths at the mean age of 16 years were at a decreased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, educational and occupational problems, interpersonal difficulties, and criminal behaviors at the mean age of 22 years. These associations remained significant after controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status, verbal intelligence, preexisting psychiatric disorders, and corresponding problems at the mean age of 16 years. Although youths with fewer personality strengths who experienced numerous stressful events were at elevated risk of developing psychiatric disorders during early adulthood, those with a higher number of personality strengths at the mean age of 16 years did not share this vulnerability. We conclude that personality strengths during adolescence may contribute to a decreased risk of developing a wide range of adverse outcomes during early adulthood. Systematic evaluation of character strengths may improve the clinical assessment of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Bromley
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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van Ijzendoorn MH, Juffer F, Poelhuis CWK. Adoption and Cognitive Development: A Meta-Analytic Comparison of Adopted and Nonadopted Children's IQ and School Performance. Psychol Bull 2005; 131:301-16. [PMID: 15740423 DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.2.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis of 62 studies (N=17,767 adopted children) examined whether the cognitive development of adopted children differed from that of (a) children who remained in institutional care or in the birth family and (b) their current (environmental) nonadopted siblings or peers. Adopted children scored higher on IQ tests than their nonadopted siblings or peers who stayed behind, and their school performance was better. Adopted children did not differ from their nonadopted environmental peers or siblings in IQ, but their school performance and language abilities lagged behind, and more adopted children developed learning problems. Taken together, the meta-analyses document the positive impact of adoption on the children's cognitive development and their remarkably normal cognitive competence but delayed school performance.
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