Philip A Fisher1,2. 1. Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, OR, 97401, USA. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, 1227 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This review of the literature examines adoption, fostering, and the needs of looked-after and adopted children. Three domains of research about looked-after children are examined. FINDINGS: There is extensive evidence that early adverse experiences affect psychological and neurobiological development in looked-after and adopted children. There is also evidence that some looked-after and adopted children show remarkable resilience in the face of adversity; intervention research provides evidence of the ability to reduce risks and promote positive outcomes in this population. The intervention studies have revealed not only the potential for improved behavioral trajectories but also the plasticity of neurobiological systems affected by early stress. CONCLUSION: Foster and adopted children face many challenges, but scientific knowledge also provides reason for hope and information about how to maximize positive outcomes.
BACKGROUND: This review of the literature examines adoption, fostering, and the needs of looked-after and adopted children. Three domains of research about looked-after children are examined. FINDINGS: There is extensive evidence that early adverse experiences affect psychological and neurobiological development in looked-after and adopted children. There is also evidence that some looked-after and adopted children show remarkable resilience in the face of adversity; intervention research provides evidence of the ability to reduce risks and promote positive outcomes in this population. The intervention studies have revealed not only the potential for improved behavioral trajectories but also the plasticity of neurobiological systems affected by early stress. CONCLUSION: Foster and adopted children face many challenges, but scientific knowledge also provides reason for hope and information about how to maximize positive outcomes.
Authors: Helen Herrman; Cathy Humphreys; Stephen Halperin; Katherine Monson; Carol Harvey; Cathrine Mihalopoulos; Susan Cotton; Penelope Mitchell; Tony Glynn; Anne Magnus; Lenice Murray; Josef Szwarc; Elise Davis; Sophie Havighurst; Patrick McGorry; Sam Tyano; Ida Kaplan; Simon Rice; Kristen Moeller-Saxone Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2016-12-07 Impact factor: 3.630
Authors: Simon Rice; Sue Cotton; Kristen Moeller-Saxone; Cathrine Mihalopoulos; Anne Magnus; Carol Harvey; Cathy Humphreys; Stephen Halperin; Angela Scheppokat; Patrick McGorry; Helen Herrman Journal: Shanghai Arch Psychiatry Date: 2017-04-25