In brief: The resilience of international adoptees

In brief

The resilience of international adoptees

More than 40,000 children each year are adopted across national lines, coming mostly to the United States (23,000) and Western Europe (nearly 16,000). These children may have been separated from their parents by thousands of miles and sometimes have lost their original language and culture. They may have suffered neglect, abuse, malnutrition, emotional deprivation, and inadequate medical care both before and after birth. But according to a meta-analysis by researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands, these stories have a surprisingly happy ending. Most international adoptees turn out quite well — in fact, better than children adopted within their own countries.

The study, which surveyed records for more than 25,000 adopted children, compared behavioral and emotional problems and mental health referrals among international adoptees, domestic adoptees, and children living with birth families (the control group). Behavior problems were classified as externalizing (aggression, delinquency, hyperactivity) and internalizing (anxiety, depression, social withdrawal).

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.