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JAMA Jul 2022
Topics: Adoption; Child, Adopted; Female; Humans; Infant
PubMed: 35819421
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.10578 -
Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Jan 2022Transracial/transcultural adoption is defined as a child of one race or ethnic group placed with parent(s) of a different race or ethnic group. An estimated 2 million...
Transracial/transcultural adoption is defined as a child of one race or ethnic group placed with parent(s) of a different race or ethnic group. An estimated 2 million children in the United States were identified as adopted in the 2010 census, and approximately one-fourth of these were transracial adoptions. Both a history of adoption and a strong ethnic or racial identity are specifically associated with health-related risk and protective factors for psychosocial, academic, and health behavior outcomes. A patient with a history of transracial adoption presents unique and important considerations for culturally responsive nursing care. This article begins with nursing practice considerations for transracially adoptive patients and provides an overview of epidemiology; relevant trauma informed nursing care;. laws and racial identity formation, and a mental model of health disparities to guide future directions. We synthesize information relevant to nursing care of individuals who are transracially adopted and racial/ethnic identity formation, including socialization and a merging model to conceptualize identities. The article also discusses principles of trauma informed care and health disparities and future improvements in the context of this population.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adoption; Censuses; Ethnicity; Nursing Care; Parents; Cultural Competency
PubMed: 36721853
DOI: No ID Found -
Child Abuse & Neglect Aug 2022Although a very heterogeneous group, adopted persons may present developmental and mental health problems of varying severity. Pre-placement adversity and trauma have...
BACKGROUND
Although a very heterogeneous group, adopted persons may present developmental and mental health problems of varying severity. Pre-placement adversity and trauma have often been linked to these problems. It has been also suggested that adoption itself is a psychological trauma, predisposing the individual to emotional difficulties.
OBJECTIVES
This article examines the links between early adversity, trauma, and adoption. We begin by defining trauma and then describe the way in which pre-placement adversity can undermine neurobehavioral and interpersonal functioning, increasing the risk for long-term psychological difficulties. Next, we examine children's recovery when placed in a stable adoptive home. Finally, we explore adoption as a lived experience, highlighting contextual and developmental factors that facilitate the person's positive or negative attributions about being adopted, leading to varying patterns of emotional adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS
Although pre-placement adversity increases adopted individuals' risk for maladjustment, the human brain and behavior are malleable, and placement in a nurturing adoptive home often facilitates recovery from early adversity, with significant heterogeneity in the extent of recovery within and across domains of functioning. While there is no evidence that early adoption is a trauma for the individual, ongoing negative life circumstances, attachment difficulties, and developmentally-mediated attributions about adoption can undermine the person's self-esteem, identity, relationships, and sense of well-being. Conclusions and suggestions for future research are offered.
Topics: Adoption; Child; Emotional Adjustment; Humans; Longitudinal Studies
PubMed: 34544593
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105309 -
Nursing For Women's Health Jun 2022A nurse describes the emotional journey of getting pregnant and giving birth after the experiences of adoption and infertility.
A nurse describes the emotional journey of getting pregnant and giving birth after the experiences of adoption and infertility.
Topics: Adoption; Emotions; Female; Humans; Infertility; Love; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35398045
DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.03.003 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Nov 2021A compelling piece of science in this month's issue is the work of Wood et al., which addresses a long-standing question about adoption in infancy-could the process of...
A compelling piece of science in this month's issue is the work of Wood et al., which addresses a long-standing question about adoption in infancy-could the process of adoption affect the later characteristics of adopted children? This question arises from studies showing that children adopted at birth have higher rates of behavioral problems on average later in life. Potential confounds of such studies are that adopted children may enter the adoption with pre-existing vulnerabilities related to the reason for adoption, which in turn could lead to behavioral differences. Scientists trying to minimize this confound previously have capitalized on the benefits of animal model approaches-randomization, controlled genetic background, controlled environmental factors, faster development, opportunities for close observation-showing that adoption at birth can affect rodent offspring long term. However, a nonhuman primate study comes closer to addressing this question specifically for our human, primate vulnerability.
Topics: Adoption; Animals; Macaca; Problem Behavior
PubMed: 34116168
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.06.002 -
Journal of Christian Nursing : a... 2018
Topics: Adoption; Child, Abandoned; Christianity; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mother-Child Relations; Pediatric Nursing
PubMed: 29227396
DOI: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000458 -
Child Abuse & Neglect Aug 2022Throughout my graduate coursework, several classes focused on trauma. Considering my experiences, I searched to gain insight into group level trauma adoptees face due to...
BACKGROUND
Throughout my graduate coursework, several classes focused on trauma. Considering my experiences, I searched to gain insight into group level trauma adoptees face due to our unique status and common societal factors that influence adoption. Exploring the trauma literature, I found that none of the terms quite represented the complex characteristics of adoption.
OBJECTIVE
Realizing the limitations of current trauma definitions, I sought to name group trauma for adoptees and thereby legitimize and validate my and other adoptees' experiences.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING
I am the sole participant. The research was conducted in St. Louis, Missouri.
METHODS
In this autoethnography, I recount academic experiences that have shaped my emerging and interconnected identities as an adoptee and social worker. I analyze the traumatic and empowering impacts of gaining more information about adoption as a politically and economically influenced system.
RESULTS
Examining my intertwined adoption and academic journeys, I propose a trauma and healing of consciousness framework to understand trauma for groups of individuals like adoptees whose trauma is not recognized using historical, collective, or intergenerational models.
CONCLUSIONS
The term trauma of consciousness expands existing theories of trauma while including social groups for whom group trauma was not previously recognized. Understanding the trauma of consciousness is imperative because healing cannot begin until the existence of the trauma is recognized. Further exploration on the trauma of consciousness is needed to recognize its impact and to develop creative interventions that can provide hope and enable people to move forward.
Topics: Adoption; Consciousness; Humans; Missouri
PubMed: 35221135
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105563 -
The International Journal of Social... May 2020There is a consensus that adoptees and immigrants both experience more mental health problems than their peers. The two groups share many risk factors for psychosis, but... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is a consensus that adoptees and immigrants both experience more mental health problems than their peers. The two groups share many risk factors for psychosis, but an increased risk for psychotic illness has only been demonstrated for immigrants.
AIMS
The aim of this review is to describe psychosis risk factors in adoptees, with a focus on difficulties with identity formation, identification with in-groups, attachment to parents, and coping with loss and with discrimination.
METHOD
The literature in these five areas is reviewed as it pertains to adoption and psychosis.
RESULTS
There are no clear findings because the relevant studies have not been done, but the literature suggests that adopted children face challenges very similar to those of immigrants to a new country.
CONCLUSION
The immigration field and the adoption field have much to learn from each other. It is recommended that a prevention strategy analogous to increased neighbourhood ethnic density be implemented with adoptees - that they be intentionally exposed from early childhood and throughout adolescence to age peers who share a similar background and with whom they can readily identify. It is also recommended that immigrants be welcomed into their host country with the same open arms as adoptive parents welcome their new children.
Topics: Adolescent; Adoption; Child; Child, Preschool; Cultural Characteristics; Discrimination, Psychological; Emigrants and Immigrants; Humans; Psychotic Disorders; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32022610
DOI: 10.1177/0020764020903324 -
American Family Physician Apr 2015Unintended pregnancy refers to unwanted, unplanned, or mistimed pregnancies. One-half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and family physicians are... (Review)
Review
Unintended pregnancy refers to unwanted, unplanned, or mistimed pregnancies. One-half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and family physicians are often asked to provide counseling, support, and resources for women with unintended pregnancies. Options include carrying the infant to term and raising the child, carrying the infant to term and choosing adoption, or having an induced abortion. Family physicians should be equipped to direct women who choose to raise the infant to appropriate care and resources. Most U.S. women do not choose adoption, but there are multiple resources for women interested in this option. Physicians should not broker adoptions, match potential parents with mothers, or adopt children of their own patients. Induced abortion is performed in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Medical management is comparable with surgical management, and both methods are safe and effective. Combination regimens with mifepristone and misoprostol are the most effective medical methods. Dilation and curettage and vacuum aspiration are the most common surgical methods.
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Adoption; Child Rearing; Consumer Health Information; Counseling; Decision Making; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Physician's Role; Physician-Patient Relations; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Pregnancy, Unwanted; Refusal to Treat; Risk Factors; Social Support; United States
PubMed: 25884862
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Child and Adolescent... May 2023Adoption is a multidimensional concept affected by cultural and social factors. On the other hand, the number of adoptees has recently increased indicating the need to...
BACKGROUND
Adoption is a multidimensional concept affected by cultural and social factors. On the other hand, the number of adoptees has recently increased indicating the need to pay more attention to this issue. However, no clear definition of this concept has been provided so far.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to analyze the concept of adoption.
METHODS
The present study was an analysis using a hybrid model in three phases. During the theoretical phase, using the keyword "adoption," pertinent articles published between 2010 and 2022 were searched. In the field work phase, eight adoptive parents as the participants were interviewed and the data were analyzed using conventional content analysis method. In the final analysis phase, a general analysis of the two previous phases was performed and a final definition was presented.
RESULTS
Adoption is one of the ways of having children that helps infertile couples to experience parental pleasure. If adoption is done wisely based on the abilities of parents, it can provide the best care setting for the child's growth leading to the consolidation of the family and a purposeful life. In adoption, all of the rights and responsibilities of the child are transferred from the biological parents to the adoptive parents, which is affected by religious and cultural beliefs.
CONCLUSION
The analysis of the concept of adoption provided a good basis for identifying the various dimensions of adoption and its challenges. The parents need to pay attention to all dimensions of adoption before selecting this path. It also provided a good platform for future research in the field of adoption.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adoption; Parents; Social Behavior
PubMed: 36714971
DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12410