The shape of the modern family is changing. Many families still
look very traditional, with a mother and father and children, all
of the same race. But more and more families are reflecting the
diverse ethnic society that we have become. Two-parent households
may consist of a mother and father of different races, or two
mothers or two fathers, or other make-ups resulting from "http://www.goodtherapy.org/therapy-for-LGBT-issues.html" target=
"_blank">LGBTQ unions. Children are not always born into
families today. Many are adopted from other countries and brought
to the United States. For any parents, adjusting to the
transition from singlehood to "http://www.goodtherapy.org/therapy-for-parenting.html" target=
"_blank">parenthood can be challenging. But for adoptive
parents, other barriers exist.
Although postpartum depression has been extensively researched
after biological birth occurs, less focus has been given to the
factors leading up to "http://www.goodtherapy.org/therapy-for-postpartum-depression.html"
target="_blank">postpartum depression in adoptive parents. To
address this obvious void in literature, Karen J. Foli of Purdue
University's School of Nursing recently led a study that looked
at what contributed to depression in the two years after fathers
adopted children. She conducted an online survey of adoptive
fathers and found that nearly 25% of those questioned reported
being depressed. Some of the factors that the fathers cited were
the young age of the child, low social and familial support, lack
of feeling bonded to the child, and difficulty adjusting to the
role of being a parent.
Foli noted that all of these factors contributed greatly to
depression in the men. Clinicians and professionals working with
adoptive parents should understand that men may exhibit symptoms
of depression quite differently than women. They may have more
anger and anxiety than sadness. They may immerse themselves in
their work in order to escape their feelings and avoid the home
situation that causes them stress. Additionally, many depressed
men also have somatic signs, such as ill feeling, insomnia or
headaches. Lack of resources, both emotional and financial, was a
big factor that predicted depression in men. Other factors were
lack of target="_blank">sexual intimacy with a partner, feeling
incompetent as a parent, and change in social status at work.
Postpartum depression in the mothers also proved to increase the
risk of depression in the fathers.
Although studies have shown that depressed mothers have a
negative effect on children, depressed fathers can raise the risk
for substance use, behavior issues, and depression in children as
well. "Further research is needed to specifically grasp the
dynamics of paternal depression and its relationship to maternal
depression in the postplacement time period," Foli said.
Therefore, Foli believes it is necessary for "http://www.goodtherapy.org/therapy-for-adoption.html" target=
"_blank">adoption services and community liaisons to offer
in-home follow up care after the adoption, to ensure the mental
health of both parents is being addressed adequately. Ultimately,
the better the psychological condition of the parents, the better
the psychological outcome of the child.
Reference:Foli, K. J., South, S. C., Lim, E., and Hebdon, M.
(2012). Depression in adoptive fathers: An exploratory mixed
methods study.Psychology of Men & Masculinity. Advance online
publication. doi: 10.1037/a0030482
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If you or someone you love would like to expand your family,
provide a permanent home for a needy orphaned child, welcome a
sibling for an existing child or discover an alternative for
infertility treatments-contact us to learn more about Ukrainian
adoption, Adoption Services International can help.
"http://www.adoptionservicesinternational.com/">www.adoptionservicesinternational.com
908-444-0999
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Upcoming Events:
Opportunities and Challenges of Ukrainian Adoption: Free
Informational Presentation
Monday, February 4, 6:00-8:00 PM
Healthy U Fitness Studio, Bishop's Plaza, 431 Route 22 East,
Whitehouse, New Jersey, 08889
Free Presentation: International Adoption From Ukraine
Tuesday, February 12, 6:00-9:00 PM
Bernardsville Public Library, 1 Anderson Hill Road,
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
The Ukrainian Adoption Process: Free Informational Meeting
Thursday, March 14, 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Wellness Rocks: 133 Rupell Road, Clinton, New Jersey
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