A comparative study of depression, self-esteem, family relations, peer relations, and attitudes toward mother and father of adoptees and non-adoptees

• Main Author: Westfall, Marvin E.
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center 1991
• Subjects: Social Work
• Online Access: http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/629; http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2182&context=dissertations

The purpose of this comparative study was to determine whether the levels of depression, self-esteem, family relations, peer relations, and attitudes toward mother and father are the same in adoptees and non-adoptees. The level of difficulty in these areas was measured through the use of six scales from the Clinical Measurement Package. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 40 participants, 20 adoptees and 20 non-adoptees. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference between adoptees and non-adoptees in their scores on the six scales utilized. This research found that when there was significant difference in the two groups it was the non-adoptees who presented a greater severity or magnitude of problem in the areas tested. This study was an attempt to provide a clear understanding of the inherent stresses adoptees and adoptive families face as well as compare their satisfaction with self, others, family, and parents with non-adoptees.