200 adopted and nonadopted children, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years, were interviewed about their understanding of adoption. Both open-ended interview and structured Q sort procedures were used. Results indicated clear developmental trends in children's knowledge of the nature of the adoptive family relationship, as well as the motivational basis underlying adoption. Relatively few differences were found, however, between adopted and nonadopted children's knowledge of adoption. Results are discussed within the general context of children's acquisition of social knowledge. Implications of the findings for adoption policy and practice also are discussed.

Psychological and academic adjustment were evaluated in a sample of 260 adopted and nonadopted children ranging in age from 6-11 years. Adjustment measures included maternal ratings on Achenbach's Child Behavior Profile and teacher ratings on the Hahnemann Elementary School Behavior Rating Scale. Results indicated that adopted children were rated higher in psychological and school-related behavior problems, and lower in social competence and school achievement, than were nonadopted children. Few age or sex differences were found. Although the results support the position that the risk is greater for adopted children to develop emotional and school-related problems, caution is urged against overinterpreting the data because the majority of adopted children appear to be well-adjusted.

200 adopted and nonadopted children, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years, were interviewed about their understanding of adoption. Both open-ended interview and structured Q sort procedures were used. Results indicated clear developmental trends in children's knowledge of the nature of the adoptive family relationship, as well as the motivational basis underlying adoption. Relatively few differences were found, however, between adopted and nonadopted children's knowledge of adoption. Results are discussed within the general context of children's acquisition of social knowledge. Implications of the findings for adoption policy and practice also are discussed.

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