05. Thus, we will decide to reject the null hypothesis, because the obtained F. value of # will be larger than the critical F. value of #. Calculations for the ANOVA comparison are shown in Figure 1. Based on the inspection of the means, we will conclude there is support for the research hypothesis, as shown in Figure 1. Children adopted after age three will be seen to display more negative behaviors (M=#, SD=#) than both children adopted prior to age three (M=#, SD=#) and non-adopted children (M=#, SD=#). Children not adopted will be seen to display significantly fewer negative behaviors than either other group (M=#, SD=#). Children adopted prior to age three will be seen to display an intermediate number of negative behaviors (M=#, SD=#), in relation to the other groups.

Discussion

The finding that children adopted after age three display more negative behaviors than either those adopted prior to age three or those not adopted will replicate the findings of earlier research (e.g. Zill, 1985; Cohen, Coyne, & Duvall, 1983; Austad & Simmons, 1978; Simmel, et. al, 2001). As in Nickman's work (1978), the fact that those adopted late will have the highest rate of negative behavior will indicate that those particular subjects have more behavioral problems than those adopted early in life. Additionally, as in the study by Smith, Howard & Monroe (1998), these findings will indicate that later adoption may be a predicator of behavioral problems.

It is important to note that these finding may not generalize to all adoptive populations. As Lieberman & Morris pointed out in their 2004 study, adult adoptees show little or no difference in the amount of negative behaviors they display. This tends to indicate that the effects of late adoption, or any adoption, lessens throughout the life span. Future research should focus on this issue in a longitudinal study, comparing the numbers of negative behaviors in childhood to those in adulthood. Additionally, since the sample size of this study will be small, generalization will be difficult, even within the same age groups.

The implications of this and other studies like it are vast. By determining which adopted children are most at risk for behavioral issues relating to their adoption, it will be possible to intervene prior to any serious behavioral problems. Additional resources can be allocated,...

In this way, it will be possible to assist those having difficulty coping, and allow them to possibly learn more positive behavioral techniques, thus lessening the gap between them and the other adoption groups.
References

Austad, C.C., & Simmons, T.L. (1978). Symptoms of adopted children presenting to a large mental health clinic. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 9, 20-27.

Brand, A.E. & Brinich, P.M. (Nov, 1999). Behavior problems and mental health contacts in adopted, foster, and nonadopted children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48 (8), 1221-9.

Brodzinsky, D.M. & Smith, D.W. Stress and Coping in Adopted Children: a Developmental Study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 23, 91-99.

Cohen, N.J., Coyne, J., & Duvall, J. (May, 1993). Adopted and biological children in the clinic: family, parental and child characteristics. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 34 (4), 545-62.

Lieberman, M.G. & Morris, J.D. (2004). Long-term effects of adoption: an empirical study of adult adoptees. The Internet Journal of Academic Physician Assistants, 4(1), 112-32.

Nickman, S.L. (Jan, 1996). Challenges of adoption. Harvard Mental Health Letter, 12 (7), 5-8.

Simmel, C., Brooks, D., Barth, R.P., Hinshaw, S.P. (Feb, 2001). Externalizing symptomatology among adoptive youth: prevalence and preadoption risk factors. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 41 (4), 225-64.

Smith, S.L., Howard, J.A., & Monroe, A.D. (1998). An analysis of child behavior problems in adoptions of difficulty. Journal of Social Service Research 24(1-2), 61-84.

U.S. Census. (September 20, 2004). Facts for Figures. Special Edition: National Adoption Month, 12, 4.

Zill, N. (1985. (1994). Behavior and learning problems among adopted children: findings from a U.S. national survey of child health. Paper presented at the meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development. Toronto: Canada: Society for Research and Development.

Table 1.

Quartile values for the number of negative behaviors displayed by each of the three categories of adoption groups

Adoption Categories

Number of Negative Behaviors

Prior to age 3

After age…