Transitions of Adoptive Parents: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Analysis

Abstract

As adoptive parents create a new family, they face myriad changes both pre-and post-placement of their child. The aim of this study was to describe parent perceptions and depressive symptoms during this transition via reports collected with an online survey. Using content analysis, we analyzed a total of 110 responses from 64 parents at three time points: 4–6 weeks pre-placement, and 4–6 weeks and 5–6 months post-placement. Five main themes were revealed: Transition from uncertainty to a new normal; unique experiences related to adoption; rest/fatigue: out of balance; life stressors; and faith/spirituality. Two subthemes were also identified: previous losses (pre-placement) and joy and love (post-placement). During the transition from pre-to post-placement, adoptive parents experience a unique passage, with both challenges and strengths exclusive to this group of parents. While acknowledging the commonalities of some parenting experiences, healthcare and adoption professionals should recognize the unique dynamics that adoption brings to families.

Longitudinal analyses of adoptive parents’ expectations and depressive symptoms

“…In the current analysis, our research objectives were to (1) describe how parental expectations change across time, from pre‐ to post‐placement; (2) investigate correlations between parental expectations and depressive symptoms over time; and (3) analyze associations of those changes in expectations with additional variables through longitudinal multilevel modeling. This study was part of a larger investigation whose results are reported elsewhere (Foli, Hebdon, Lim, & South, ; Foli, South, Lim, & Hebdon, ; Foli, South, Lim, & Jarnecke, ).…”

“…This study was part of a larger investigation whose results are reported elsewhere (Foli, Hebdon, Lim, & South, 2017; Foli, South, Lim, & Hebdon, 2016; Foli, South, Lim, & Jarnecke, 2016). …”

Los cuidados de Enfermería en los problemas de conducta durante la transición adolescente

“…Existe evidencia sobre la incapacidad de algunos padres adoptivos para aceptar al niño real, distinto al niño idealizado 19,20 .…”

Evlat Edi̇nmek İçi̇n Başvuran Bi̇reylerle Bi̇yoloji̇k Engelleri̇ Olmamasina Rağmen Anne Baba Olma İsteği̇ne Sahi̇p Olmayan Bi̇reyleri̇n Bağlanma Şekli̇, Mi̇zaç Özelli̇kleri̇, Dürtüselli̇k Ve Ruhsal Dayaniklilik Yönünden Karşilaştirilmasi

“…Bir çalışmada evlat edinen ailelerin doğal sağlamlıklarının olduğuna işaret edilmiştir (Foli, Hebdon, Lim and South, 2017). Başka bir çalışmada evlat edinen annelerin, doğum yapmış annelerin doğum sonrası dönemine göre, daha iyi hissettiği ve daha az psikopatolojiye sahip olduğu saptanmıştır (Mott et al, 2011).…”