Age at Adoption: Long-Term Measures of Success in Adulthood

Abstract

Older child adoptions are increasing, yet little attention has been paid to the effect of age at adoption in adoptees’ later years. This study examines a relationship between age at adoption and later educational levels as well as socioeconomic status and psychological well-being. The results suggest that adoptees are similar in all assessed areas by their mid 30s, with the exception of educational attainment, regardless of the age at which they were adopted. Findings draw attention to the need for educational support for late-placed adoptees.

KEYWORDS:

• age at adoption
• later placement
• adult adoptees

Notes

^a p < .001

^b p < .05

p < .01.

^a p < .05.