title: Consistency between self-reported risks and strengths among prospective adoptive couples: findings from home studies.
abstract: This study examines patterns of strengths and risks among prospective adoptive families using completed home study questionnaires. The study explores male-female differences, within heterosexual couples, pertaining to functioning and serious issues of concern. Results show significant variability related to plans for discipline, and drug use for self and partner. These findings are discussed in light of adoption home study practices, particularly for increased structure of information gathering, and joint and separate interviews of applicants.
authors.affiliation: Boston College, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Crea
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Moreno
mesh_terms: D000300:Adoption / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002668:Child Rearing / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult