Psychological interventions for adoptive parents: a systematic review

Abstract

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.

Adoptive parents’ experiences of dyadic developmental psychotherapy

“…Although positive in their findings, the study lacked robust methodology and so, at best, can only be considered promising (Becker-Weidman, 2006). Reviews of studies of psychosocial interventions for adoptive families consider the field of interventions for adoptive families lacking in more robust, methodologically sound studies of any intervention with DDP therapy being no exception (Harris-Waller, Granger, & Hussain, 2018). In seeking to develop the evidence base for DDP therapy, a stepped approach to understanding the effect of DDP has been initiated.…”

“…These studies concluded that funding a trial of this nature could be rationalised and supported. In recognition of the need for ‘theoretically informed outcome measurement’ of therapies for adoption (Harris-Waller et al, 2018, p. 17) and in line with the call by NICE (2015) for both qualitative and quantitative methods of DDP therapy, a qualitative study of the experience of receiving DDP therapy was seen as building the theoretical rationale for future quantitative studies including a potential RCT.…”

The impact of a brief neuro-collaborative play-based intervention on the presentations of developmental trauma and attachment difficulties in adopted children: A service evaluation.

“…More broadly, Ní Chobhthaigh and Duffy (2019) and Harris-Waller et al (2018) each executed systematic reviews examining the impact of therapeutic interventions for adoptive parents. Twenty-six unique interventions were examined across the two reviews.…”

Intervening With Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up to Reduce Behavior Problems Among Children Adopted Internationally: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Several interventions for children adopted internationally exist and have been shown to be effective at reducing behavior problems (Harris-Waller et al, 2018). Recent meta-analyses of parenting-focused intervention programs indicated that few interventions have been developed for internationally adopted children within the first 2 years of life (Schoemaker et al, 2019; for a notable exception see Juffer et al, 2005).…”