Initial Reactions and Attachment Formation in Post-Institutionalized Toddlers

Abstract

87 parents were interviewed about their post-institutionalized toddler’s behavior in the first hours and days while families were in the birth country. Interview questions covered common problems for adopted children – eating, sleeping, upset, and comfort seeking. Attachment formation and security were assessed in the laboratory 1-3 and 7-9 months post-placement. While many children easily transitioned, for 20% of families the initial days were hard or overwhelming. None of the behaviors displayed in the first days in the parents’ care were correlated with attachment formation or security at the second assessment 7-9 months post-adoption, although at 1-3 months there were some associations.