An investigation into the psychological well-being of the biological children of surrogates

Figures & data

Table 1. Sample characteristics of surrogates

7 surrogates (13 children)
Gestational surrogates	n = 6
Traditional surrogate	n = 1
Marital status
Married	n = 5
Divorced	n = 2
Religious preference (surrogate)
Catholic	n = 4
“Christian”	n = 1
Methodist	n = 1
No preference listed	n = 1
Family income
$20,000–$30,000	n = 2
$30,000–$40,000	n = 1
$70,000–$80,000	n = 1
$90,000–$100,000	n = 2
>$100,000	n = 1
Education (surrogates)
College degree	n = 3
Associates degree	n = 2
Technical college certificate	n = 1
High school diploma	n = 1
Compensation for being a surrogate
Range between $0–$30,000 (average being $20,000)

Table 2. Surrogates and children

	Mean (Median)	Range
Age of surrogate at time of study	36 years	30–39 years
Age of surrogate at time of surrogate pregnancy	32.5 years	29–37 years
Age of children at time of study	11.5 years (12)	7–17 years
Age of children at time of surrogate pregnancy	8.4 years (8)	4–15 years
Average amount of time since surrogate pregnancy	3.7 years (2)	2–10 years

Table 3. Summary of domain scales for Piers–Harris 2

	Mean	Range
Behavioral adjustment (BEH)	54	43–62
Intellectual and school status (INT)	57	44–65
Physical appearance/attributes (PHY)	54	42–65
Freedom from anxiety (FRE)	56	46–65
Popularity (POP)	54	44–68
Happiness and satisfaction (HAP)	51	40–59

Notes:

T-scores ≥ 56 (high average).

T-scores 45–55 (average).

T-scores 40–44 (low average).