Thicker Than Water? Long-run Implication of Adoption on Parent-Child Relationships in Adulthood

• In Event: Outcomes Across the Life Course of Youth affected by Foster Care and Adoption

Abstract

Objective: This study, grounded in attachment and life course theories, examined how adoption status related to parent-child relationship quality in middle adulthood, comparing adoptees’ relationships with adoptive parents to non-adopted individuals’ relationships with biological parents. By extending the scope of research into midlife, this study offers evidence that can inform more nuanced and supportive adoption policy.

Background: Understanding the long-term implications of adoption is essential for shaping informed and effective adoption policies (see Palacios et al., 2019). Adoptive family dynamics are particularly important because adopted children are more likely to report insecure attachment styles (Melero & Sánchez-Sandoval, 2017; van den Dries et al., 2009) and are more susceptible to mental health challenges compared to their non-adopted counterparts (Brodzinsky, 2011; Gibson, 2009; Melero & Sánchez-Sandoval, 2017). However, less is known about how adoption-related challenges impact adopted individuals throughout the life course. Emerging research suggests that these disparities may diminish over time, with some studies indicating that adult adoptees report similar or improved family relationships compared to their non-adopted peers (Feeney et al., 2007). Despite these findings, little is known about how adoption-related challenges affect family dynamics into middle adulthood, particularly in terms of parent-child closeness. A better understanding of these dynamics could help shape policies that support healthy adoptive family relationships beyond childhood.

Method: Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study compares the quality of relationships between adult adoptees and adoptive parents with those between non-adopted individuals and biological parents. Adoptees and their parents were analyzed during adolescence and then again during middle adulthood around age 30 to better understand how parent-child closeness evolves over the life course. The analysis includes comparisons of both maternal and paternal relationships, with attention to how adoption status intersects with factors such as gender, race, and educational attainment.

Results: During adolescence, adoptees reported significantly lower levels of closeness with mothers but not fathers compared to their non-adopted peers. By middle adulthood, adoptees reported significantly lower closeness scores for both mothers and fathers, with the gap being more pronounced in maternal relationships.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that adoptees experience distinct relationship dynamics with adoptive parents compared to non-adopted individuals’ relationships with biological parents. Ultimately, this research deepens the understanding of adoptive family relationships. These findings suggest that adoption status continues to influence familial relationships even after the transition to adulthood. Such insights are critical for the development of policies that recognize the long-term needs of adoptees and adoptive families.

Implications: This study underscores the importance of understanding the evolving nature of adoptive family dynamics, not only in early life but throughout the life course. In doing so, it highlights a need for adoption policies that extend beyond childhood, addressing adult adoptees' continued relational and emotional needs. Potential policy and practice implications which stem from this evolving understanding are discussed. These findings suggest that adoption services designed to support adoptees throughout their life course—especially into middle adulthood—could help improve relational outcomes.

Author

• Lanette Jones Nelson, Brigham Young University
  Presenting Author