Prevalence of Clinically Significant Symptomatology in a Nonclinical Sample of Adopted and Nonadopted Children

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Abstract
We reanalyzed data from a previous study (Brodzinsky, Schechter, Braff, & Singer, 1984) to determine the prevalence of clinically significant symptomatology in a nonclinical sample of adopted and nonadopted children between the ages of 6 and 11 years. The data were drawn from maternal ratings of children's adjustment on Achenbach's Child Behavior Profile. Results indicated that a higher percentage of adoptees than nonadoptees displayed clinically significant symptomatology in one or more areas of behavior. Specifically, adopted boys were more likely to be rated within the maladaptive range for Uncommunicative Behavior and Hyperactivity, whereas adoptive girls exceeded nonadoptive girls in clinically significant symptoms in areas related to Depression, Hyperactivity, and Aggression. The results of the study were interpreted as supporting the position of increased psychological risk associated with adoption.

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