What are the psychological effects of Adoption and Adoption Trauma?

Introduction

Adoption is often looked at as a beautiful, positive experience for both the child and the adoptive parents, however, there are a number of significant psychological and behavioural effects that can occur in some adoptees both during and after the adoption process. With this in mind, it is important to provide extra attention and care to the mental health of your adopted child, as adoption trauma is a possibility and can have long-lasting effects. Because attachment between a child and their mother begins in the womb, being adopted at any stage after birth can lead some adoptees to develop attachment trauma. That said, it’s also important to highlight that with the right support, many adoptees thrive, forming strong relationships and achieving personal fulfilment. As caregivers of a child in these circumstances, it may be essential to provide trauma-informed care. This can be in the form of coping strategies, psychological therapy, social support or other therapeutic interventions. In this article, we’re going to be discussing the psychological dimensions of adoption, the importance of attachment and bonding, potential long-term effects, as well as how to access resources and additional help. 

The Adoption Experience: Difficult Psychological Dimensions

The adoption experience is a complex and varied one, which can ultimately impact the psychological well-being of the child being adopted. Statistically, it seems that adopted children may be at a higher risk of mental health problems due to potential trauma, genetics and their environment [1]. 

Psychiatric Disorders

Adoption trauma paired with any previous childhood trauma prior to their adoption was suggested to be linked to potentially higher rates of psychiatric diagnoses. Some of these include: 

1. Depression 
2. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
3. Anxiety 
4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
5. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Behavioural and Emotional Issues 

Aside from the psychiatric disorders listed above, there are a number of other emotional and behavioural issues that an adopted child may struggle with, that can impact their overall well-being. Some of these include [1][2]: 

Disenfranchised Grief 

Disenfranchised grief can be understood as a type of grief that most people are not comfortable acknowledging publicly. Adoption is often considered to be an overlooked form of grief due to the societal concept of ‘being grateful’ to be adopted into a good family. In this way, adoptees may internalise or downplay their feelings of losing their birth mother. 

Hypervigilance 

Hypervigilance is often associated with PTSD, and can be described as being on constant lookout for danger. Research suggested that this may be traced back to the initial separation between the baby and their birth mother. During this time, high levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) and a tendency for reactivity emerge, embedded in the child’s nervous system. 

Suicide 

Research suggests that adopted children may face an increased risk of suicide compared to those raised by their biological families. This could be potentially due to factors such as early-life trauma, attachment challenges, and experiences of instability in care.

Attachment and Bonding: Building Trust and Identity

Attachment 

Attachment is a psychological process in which children learn to connect with others. The type of attachment patterns they learn during childhood are indicative of the kinds of relationships they form in their adult years, as well as influence the way they view the world. When the emotional and physical needs of a child are met, they are more likely to develop a sense of trust, and therefore a secure attachment style. On the other hand, when the needs of the child are not met, anxious, avoidant or insecure attachment styles may begin to form, resulting in a form of attachment disorder linked to adoption. With this in mind, it is important for adoptive parents to understand the process of attachment and how to properly facilitate a healthy attachment with their child after adoption [3] [4]. 

Trust and Identity  

Research has shown that children who have been adopted from foster care are more likely to struggle with feelings of trust and forming their own identity. Given that their early experiences with love included the loss of their biological mother/family, they may find it hard to know who to trust or who will stick around for their future.

Developing a sense of identity and individuality is another area which adoptees may struggle with. If they are unaware of who has parental responsibility for their genetic makeup, or what their biological parents are like, adopted children may find it difficult to navigate or understand their own identity. Perhaps they have been given a new name, live in a new city, or wonder about their family history. This is particularly true in cases of transracial adoptions, in which the adoptee may feel out of place or like they don’t really belong in their adoptive family [5]. Nonetheless, not all adoptees will experience difficulties connected to their biological origins, and some may have little interest in seeking out their biological roots.

Addressing Emotional Challenges: Coping and Support

Like any other trauma, if present, adoption trauma can be incredibly difficult to navigate though, and can have long-lasting effects. However, healing and living a fulfilling life is entirely possible when given the right tools and support, even though it may feel like an uphill battle. Here are some strategies that can be used to help navigate and cope with the emotional complexities of being adopted [6]:

Engage in self-care

Self-care is fundamental to a healthy psychological functioning in general. This is even more true in the case of trauma. If you’re struggling with a trauma deriving from adoption, consider setting aside time for your favourite hobby, going for a walk, having a bath or meditating. Put simply, self-care involves taking care of your mind and body, in the way you enjoy most. Here are some things to try:

1. Reflective Journaling: Pen down your daily emotions or experiences. For instance, jotting a memory that resurfaced or how a certain conversation made you feel.
2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Take 5 minutes each day to breathe deeply and focus on the present.
3. Nature Walks: Stroll in a nearby park, letting the surroundings calm your mind. Even a brief 10-minute walk can make a difference.
4. Adoption-Related Books or Resources: Dive into readings that resonate with adoptee experiences, like reading a chapter from “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Verrier.
5. Relaxation techniques: Try out deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. For example, taking five deep breaths in and out when feeling overwhelmed.

Validate your feelings 

Sometimes it may feel as if others expect adoption to always be a happy, healthy experience. This conception ultimately invalidates or denies the existence of any negative feelings an adopted child may be experiencing. With this in mind, it is important that you remember any and all of your feelings are valid, normal and important! 

Practice self-compassion 

Where a trauma of being adopted exists, it can lead to feelings of self-doubt or the questioning of your self-worth. Practise thoughts and actions of self-love, and treat yourself with compassion and care. 

Explore reconnection 

Deciding whether to reconnect with your birth family is a decision that should be made entirely by you. For some, reconnecting with their birth family can be a healing and transformative experience, however, this is not always the case. Consider seeking support, journaling and reflecting to find clarity on which path you want to take. 

Seek social support 

If you’re healing from adoption trauma the company of others can provide very powerful support. By seeking out social support from your friends and family, they will be able to help you process your feelings, normalise your emotions and help build resilience. 

Educate yourself on the effects of trauma

When you’re dealing with adoption trauma, gaining an understanding of its effects, symptoms and causes can help you recognise and manage your triggers when they come up. Educating yourself in this way can also aid in regulating your nervous system and developing coping skills. 

Supporting Adoptees: Resources, Advocacy and Seeking Professional Help

Support Groups 

Support groups can be an incredibly helpful resource, especially when struggling with adoption trauma. Perhaps the most helpful part of these groups is the ability to share your story with others who understand, as well as hear the stories of your peers. The sharing of different experiences and coping skills is a great way to establish a network of people who share many of the same struggles. 

Advocacy 

Getting involved with advocacy initiatives is another great way to help and be helped. There are a number of adoption initiatives across the UK and worldwide that aim to develop new narratives surrounding adoption, provide support and challenge old ways of thinking about adoption within society. Below is a list of advocacy initiatives for adoption within the UK: 

1. Adoption UK 
2. PAC-UK 
3. UK Adult Adoptee Movement 
4. Adoptee Futures 
5. How to Be Adopted 

Seeking Professional Help

If you find that you are struggling to cope with your adoption or may be dealing with adoption trauma, or if its effects have begun to impact your day-to-day life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional, as professional help is essential in overcoming the long-term effects of your trauma. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help!

At Therapy Central we provide treatment for trauma and PTSD in London and everywhere else online. We use evidence-based interventions such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and other approaches to help you manage your symptoms and reduce the frequency of your triggers. 

In seeking professional help, you’ll be able to talk about your experience with professionals who are equipped to provide you with the help you need and support you in regaining control over your life. 

If you’re facing adoption-related challenges, reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist can provide tools for healing and personal growth. Consider contacting one of our qualified therapists today.

You can contact us and request a free 15 min consultation to see whether our help will suit your needs.