What are the Psychological Effects of Being Adopted at Birth?

Adoption is a wonderful thing. It helps families grow, changes lives, and provides safe and loving homes for children. Being adopted can have psychological effects, both positive and negative.

Gulf Coast Adoptions discusses the psychological effects of being adopted at birth.

Exploring the Psychological Impact of Adoption

One study found that, even though most adoptees are well adjusted, adoptees still have an elevated risk of poor adjustment compared to people who were not adopted. Researchers say that adoptive parents may be more willing to seek help sooner, which might skew the statistics.

However, adoptive parents need to recognize that being adopted may have psychological effects.

Attachment and Bonding in Early Childhood

When a child is born, they look to their mother and father to meet their needs. The child recognizes their parents, and they bond during feeding and through touch and voice. Bonding can begin during pregnancy as the child hears its mother’s voice and heartbeat.

When adoption happens from infancy, a child’s attachment may change. If early relationships are disruptive, or if a child’s needs are not met, they may struggle to see their new adoptive parents as safe. They may have an unspoken fear that their needs will not be met. A child may be especially likely to have attachment and bonding difficulties if there was a disruptive or upsetting pre-adoption period.

It’s important to recognize that a child may have a primal wound because of early separation from their birth parents. A child is unlikely to articulate this wound, but it may be implanted in the child’s subconscious.

Although challenging, there are things that adoptive parents can do to help with attachment and bonding in early childhood.

Consistent parenting and meeting the child’s needs can help the child depend on their adoptive parents. Spending time with the child can form deeper bonds. As the child grows, expressing an understanding of the child’s perspective can help them feel validated.

The Role of Adoptive Parents in Mitigating Psychological Effects

Adoptive parents can identify the signs of psychological effects. A child may show signs of:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Poor performance in school
  • Failing to follow rules
  • Not seeking comfort from caregivers
  • Avoiding eye contact, seeming disconnected
  • Showing little emotion
  • Anger
  • Headaches, physical symptoms without medical cause

The psychological effects of adoption may appear as behavior abnormalities, or there may be physical effects.

When parents recognize the signs of psychological effects, they can help meet a child’s needs by taking proactive steps.

  • Make sure that the child’s needs are physically met, including any special needs that they may have.
  • Spend time with the child, getting to know them, and developing trust.
  • Learn about effective discipline and behavior modeling. Set clear expectations that are appropriate for the child’s age.
  • Seek support and resources as needed.
  • Engage the child in counseling services, as appropriate.
  • Always be available to listen to the child. Know that their feelings about adoption may change over time.

Adoption affects each child differently. Adoption always happens in unique circumstances—no two children or adoptive experiences are exactly alike. Children may respond differently to adoption. With help from adoptive parents, children can process their experiences and thrive.

Identity Development and Adoption

A child who was adopted at birth may struggle with identity development. Often, adoption comes with a culture change. The child may be removed from their native language, location, culture, or race. They may not know their family history.

Adoptive parents can help a child cope with identity development. They can be open with the child about their personal history. They can learn about the child’s native culture through reading, practicing traditions, or even planning a trip if the adoption is interstate or international.

A child’s native identity and adoptive family can both be celebrated.

Behavior differences

Cultural differences may explain behaviors that otherwise seem confusing or off-putting.

Behavior that may have helped a child in an institutionalized setting, like an orphanage, may now be inappropriate. Poor reactions to these behavior differences can reinforce psychological trauma. The child may be trying to act appropriately and may become frustrated when their actions are misunderstood.

Adoption and Mental Health Challenges

It’s important for adoptive parents, and everyone in our communities, to understand the importance of adoption and mental health. Adoption means a significant change, even when a person is adopted at birth. Recognizing that this is the case can open the door to needed resources and support for the entire family.

Seek Experienced Alabama Adoption Support

At Gulf Coast Adoptions, we help people with all types of adoptions. Contact us today.

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