The Impact of Family Dynamics on Psychological Well-Being in Adult Adoptees

Adult adoptees are at risk for psychological distress and some researchers have found that adoptive family relations are more important to adult adoptees' psychological well-being than to their nonadopted peers. However, no research was found that used standardized instrumentation to assess family dynamics in adult adoptees, and research into the mental health characteristics of adult adoptees has been limited to assessing specific symptomatology. This study therefore, examined the relationship between family dynamics and psychological well-being in a convenience sample (N = 88) of adult adoptees recruited through Internet adoption support sites. Based on the conceptual framework of the circumplex model of marital and family systems, family dynamics was measured with the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, Fourth Edition, and psychological well-being was measured using the Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive, statistically significant relationship between adoptive family dynamics and psychological well-being. Participants who rated their families as more functional also reported higher well-being ratings. Positive social change may be effected by using standardized instrumentation to assess family dynamics of prospective adoptive parents thereby identifying those most likely to engage in healthy functioning relationships. This in turn will increase the likelihood of long-term higher psychological well-being ratings in adoptees. Furthermore, positive social change may be effected by using standardized instrumentation in the provision of mental health services to adoptees and their families, thereby identifying specific areas of concern for treatment which will enhance psychological well-being.