International and domestic adoption: Child, parents, and family adjustment

Adjustment of school-aged children, parents, and families in international versus domestic adoption was studied in 100 Israeli families. No significant differences were found between the two groups of children in school adjustment, grades, IQ level, psychological adjustment (i.e. anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, self-concept), observed behaviours at home, and coping with adoption issues. However, they perceived their parents to be more supportive but controlling. Marked differences were found in parents' behaviours, especially fathers', and family functioning: In the international adoption group, compared with the domestic adoption group, parents used more problem-focused and support-seeking ways of coping, viewed parenting more as a challenge, were more involved with their children; but were more intrusive, reported more cohesive family relations and better marital adjustment, and coped differently with adoption issues. Results are discussed in terms of the differences in the two types of adoption.