IQ and behavioural adjustment of ex-institutional adolescents.
A group of children raised in institutions until at least 2 years of age, then adopted or restored to a biological parent, have been followed longitudinally into mid-adolescence. No effect of early institutionalisation was found on IQ which depended largely on the type of family placement. Behavioural and emotional difficulties were more common in the ex-institutional group than in a matched comparison group, according to teacher questionnaires and interviews with the adolescents and their parents. The findings are discussed in relation to placement policy and the question of the long-term effects of early experience.
Hodges
J
J
Department of Psychological Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, London, U.K.
Tizard
B
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000300:Adoption; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D002674:Child, Institutionalized / Q000523:psychology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D012114:Residential Treatment