Abstract:
In this study, 26 families who had adopted children from Bulgarian orphanages were
surveyed about their adoption experiences. Families were asked about (a) their child’s
time in an orphanage, (b) their child’s pre- and post-adoption diagnoses and behavior,
and (c) their family’s transition, relationships, and support. Families’ responses were
compared to one another and to those in Groza et al. (2008). There was not a significant
relationship between time spent in orphanage, age of child at adoption, and children’s
attachment. Overall, the pre- and post-adoption diagnoses were not different. The level of
support from friends/family or support groups and transition into family was not related.
There were, however, similarities in the experiences of families in this study and to those
in Groza et al. Also, there was a significant negative relationship between child behavior
disruption and the parent-child relationship. Implications of these results will be
discussed.
