Adopted Children: The Risk of Interactive Misattunement Between the Infant and Adoptive Mother in the Child Relinquished at Birth

Abstract

This theoretical discussion posits that for the adoptive mother and the infant adopted at birth there is greater than average risk of interactive misattunement and that this is associated with an increased potential for psychopathology in the growing child. This article does not suggest that affective misattunement is unique to the adoptive dyad; however, it does argue that the adoptive pair is at higher risk. The adoptive family is not the same as the biological family. Underlining the source of these differences and the importance of attunement will pave the way for greater positive outcomes for the adoptive family.

KEYWORDS:

• interactive attunement
• affect
• attachment behavior