We examined the development of international adoptees from infancy
to young adulthood, and factors influencing developmental outcomes in
middle childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. The results for
cognitive development (Chapter 2) showed that early malnutrition
influenced cognitive and health-related outcomes, but its consequences
did not extend to socioeconomic success later in life. The human brain
seems capable of adapting to changing environmental influences, but
earlier placement in a positive family environment should be preferred
(see also Chapter 1). The adoptees in the Leiden Longitudinal Adoption
Study were exposed to few adversities due to their early adoptive
placement, and the combination with the nurturing environment of a
permanent adoptive family resulted in positive cognitive and
socio-emotional outcomes (Chapters 2 and 3). Our results for
longitudinal (sensitivity) and concurrent relations (reactivity to
infant crying) with attachment representations in young adulthood
(Chapters 3 and 4) clearly point to this role of the family environment
in predicting social-emotional outcomes. High parenting quality is
important, also in families where children do not share a common genetic
basis with their parents. In sum, adoption can be seen as a positive
intervention and the (adoptive) family environment matters for children
growing up from infants to young adults.NWO Spinoza price, VIDI grant no. 452-04-306, VICI grant no. 453-09-003Development Psychopathology in context: famil
