Factors Related to Transracial Adoptive Parents’ Levels of Cultural Competence

Vonk, M. Elizabeth; Massatti, Richard R.

doi:10.1080/10926750802421966

Cited by 28 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Research suggests post-adoption support groups and parenting resources are vital in building parents’ cultural competence and boosting engagement in cultural socialization activities (Vonk et al, 2010; Vonk & Massatti, 2008). While these cultural activities have been found to bolster adoptee adjustment (Yoon, 2001), this study indicates agreement among family members, regardless of whether the family acknowledges or rejects the importance of racial and ethnic differences, is vital in preventing or reducing adolescent delinquent behavior.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations between discussions of racial and ethnic differences in internationally adoptive families and delinquent behavior among Korean adopted adolescents

Anderson

Rueter

Kim

2015

Children and Youth Services Review

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Internationally adopted adolescents may have more delinquent behavior than non-adopted adolescents. One explanation is these adolescents experience discrimination and loss of culture, and adoptive parents are not adequately addressing these experiences. However, studies have not examined the effects of family discussions of racial and ethnic differences within adoptive families on adopted adolescents’ delinquent behavior. To test this relationship, this study utilized data from 111 U.S. internationally adoptive families with 185 South Korean adopted adolescents (55% female, M age = 17.75). During an observational assessment, families discussed the importance of their racial and ethnic differences, and adolescents completed a delinquent behavior questionnaire. Analysis of covariance showed differences in adolescent delinquent behavior across three ways adoptive families discussed racial and ethnic differences; adolescents whose families acknowledged differences had the fewest mean delinquent behaviors. There were no significant differences in delinquent behavior between adolescents whose families acknowledged or rejected the importance of racial and ethnic differences. However, adopted adolescents whose families held discrepant views of differences had significantly more problem behavior than adolescents whose families either acknowledged or rejected the importance of racial and ethnic differences. Clinicians, adoption professionals, and other parenting specialists should focus on building cohesive family identities about racial and ethnic differences, as discrepant views of differences are associated with the most adoptee delinquent behavior.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations between discussions of racial and ethnic differences in internationally adoptive families and delinquent behavior among Korean adopted adolescents

Anderson

Rueter

Kim

2015

Children and Youth Services Review

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“…The growth in research on minority parents' RES practices has led to increased attention into how white adoptive parents might engage in cultural competence practices (Vonk and Massatti 2008). Research from the 1980s suggested that white adoptive parents immersed the child primarily within the white environment and paid little or no attention to racial differences (McRoy et al 1984;Andujo 1988).…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…A key assumption is that parents play a crucial role in the racial and cultural competence of children. The primacy of the family as a key socializing agent suggests that TRA parents must themselves be culturally competent (Vonk 2001;Vonk and Massatti 2008).…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Doing the right thing’: transracial adoption in the USA

Barn¹

2013

Ethnic and Racial Studies

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Racial/cultural identity and parental cultural competence in transracial adoption (TRA) are subjects of fierce debate and discussion in contemporary western societies. The ongoing practice of TRA has led to a polarization that either supports or berates the suitability of the environment provided in such homes. The external scrutiny invariably creates doubt among white adoptive parents as to whether they are 'doing the right thing'. By drawing upon extant literature and original qualitative research carried out in New York, this paper explores adoptive mothers' conceptualization and understanding of racial/ethnic socialisation (RES). The paper puts forward three discursive approaches. It is argued that the ways in which white adoptive mothers understand and experience diversity influences their approach to RES, which in turn is mediated through family and community networks and societal discourses on race, power and hierarchy.

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“…For instance, the more integrated activities appear to have the most impact on parents and children. Living in diverse/integrated communities contributes to positive identities among children (Feigelman, 2000) and visiting the birth culture impacts the parents' understanding of ethnic identities (Vonk & Massatti, 2008;Carstens & Julia, 2000). However, most parents choose racial/cultural socialization activities that require less integration into the birth culture (Vonk et al, 2010;Song & Lee, 2009).…”

Section: Racial Awarenessmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Parents engage their families in a myriad of activities, such as reading books, cooking ethnic foods, learning ethnic dance, and attending ethnic festivals (Crolley-Simic & Vonk, 2008;Lee et al, 2006;Scroggs & Heitfield, 2001). Recently, research has increased exploration into factors that may contribute to a parent's motivation to culturally socialize children, such as the gender of the child or parent and race of the child (Vonk, Lee, & Crolley-Simic, 2010;Vonk & Massatti, 2008;Johnston, Swim, Saltsman, Deater-Deckard, & Petrill, 2007;Vonk, Yun, Park, & Massatti, 2007). Research with adoptees suggests that parents' racial socialization practices may be associated with a child's self-esteem and ethnic pride (Yoon, 2004;Huh & Reid, 2000), and feelings of connectedness and less marginality in families (Mohanty, Koekse, & Sales, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Race and White Transracially Adoptive Mothers

Crolley‐Simic

Vonk

2012

Journal of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity in Social Work

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Eight transracially adoptive mothers of Asian-born children were interviewed about their perceptions of their role in the racial socialization of their children. The findings suggest a possible relationship between these mothers' choices in racial socialization practices with their families and their views on race and racial differences. Findings are discussed in relation to future research and practice with transracially adoptive parents and their families.

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Factors Related to Transracial Adoptive Parents’ Levels of Cultural Competence

Cited by 28 publications

References 17 publications

Associations between discussions of racial and ethnic differences in internationally adoptive families and delinquent behavior among Korean adopted adolescents

Associations between discussions of racial and ethnic differences in internationally adoptive families and delinquent behavior among Korean adopted adolescents

‘Doing the right thing’: transracial adoption in the USA

Race and White Transracially Adoptive Mothers

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