Analysis of child attachment behavior of domestically and internationally adopted children in Kenya

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dc.contributor.authorAyuya, Caroline
dc.date.accessioned2024-05-02T09:51:34Z
dc.date.available2024-05-02T09:51:34Z
dc.date.issued2016-05
dc.descriptionDoctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
dc.description.abstractThis study analyzed the attachment behavior of a clinical sample of 35 adopted children between the ages of two and five years with their domestic and international adoptive parents post adoption. The longitudinal quantitative and qualitative study analyzed changes in attachment behaviors of this sample at Baseline, Time 1 (60 days after Baseline) and Time 2 (60 days after Time 1). A non-randomized consecutive order convenience sample of both international and domestic adoptees in Nairobi was collected. The sample (n=15) comprised international adoptees while sample (n= 20) comprised domestic adoptees. Child attachment behavior, a dependent variable, was measured by the Attachment Q-Sort and home observations. Data was collected using observations, questionnaires and interviews with participants. The Family Adaptability and Cohesions Scales (FACES-II), the Parental Stress Index-Short Form and the Maternal Behavior Rating Scales (MBRS) standardized measures were administered to assess the independent variables. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics were used to describe and analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. A t- test was performed to compare mean age differences among adopted children. Chi Square (χ²) was used to determine the relationship between age groups and attachment. Independent variables predictors of child attachment were determined utilizing Multinomial Regression. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p) was used to examine the correlation between the independent variables; parental stress, maternal responsiveness and family functioning with the dependent variable (child attachment). Major findings included: attachment increased over time for both domestic and international adoptees; no differences emerged in child attachment behaviors on the basis of prior history of neglect or abuse before adoption and those who did not have and, parental distress was inversely correlated with secure child attachment. Both dimensions of adaptability and cohesion remained stable between the time periods without much variability in the score for both domestically and internationally adopted children and finally poor maternal responsiveness was inversely correlated with secure child attachment behavior for both domestic and international adoptees. One policy recommendation is that adopted children receive a thorough and detailed medical evaluation to identify medical needs and identify gaps in development, behavior and attachment within sixty days of placement. Adoption agencies, pediatricians, counsellors and clinical psychologists also need to continue working collaboratively to assess, diagnose and treat health and developmental issues related to domestic and international adoption. Significantly it is vital for clinical psychologists working with adoptive parents to normalize their anticipated stress during and after adoption.
dc.description.sponsorshipDaystar University
dc.identifier.citationAyuya, C. V., (2016). Analysis of child attachment behavior of domestically and internationally adopted children in Kenya.: Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences.
dc.identifier.urihttps://repository.daystar.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4378
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherDaystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences
dc.subjectAdopted children
dc.subjectFamily relationships | Attachment behavior in children
dc.titleAnalysis of child attachment behavior of domestically and internationally adopted children in Kenya
dc.typeThesis

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