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VI. Institutional deprivation, specific cognitive functions, and scholastic achievement: English and Romanian Adoptee (ERA) study findings
2010 · United Kingdom; Romania (origin)
This separately indexed research chapter in the ERA adolescent follow-up monograph examines cognitive functions and scholastic achievement. The bibliographic record identifies the chapter and authors but supplies no abstract. Findings are not summarised because the underlying text was not reviewed.
VII. Physical growth and maturation following early severe institutional deprivation: do they mediate specific psychopathological effects?
2010 · United Kingdom; Romania
The English and Romanian Adoptees study examined growth and puberty following severe early institutional deprivation. Earlier apparent catch-up in height and weight was followed by slower adolescent growth among those with longer deprivation. The chapter also examines whether growth and maturation help explain psychological outcomes.
VIII. Postadoption environmental features
2010 · United Kingdom; Romania (origin)
This separately indexed research chapter in the ERA adolescent follow-up monograph examines post-adoption environmental features. The bibliographic record identifies the chapter and authors but supplies no abstract. Findings are not summarised because the underlying text was not reviewed.
What developments can be seen in a year’s intensive psychotherapy with a ten year old adopted boy with Mild Learning Difficulties
2017 · United Kingdom
A retrospective clinical study examined a year of three-times-weekly psychotherapy with a ten-year-old adopted boy who had experienced neglect before age six. Thematic analysis of therapy material considered family relationships, missing information and sequencing. Nightmares resolved and other behavioural changes were reported by parents.
What Is Distinctive About Autism Arising Following Severe Institutional Deprivation? A Direct Comparison With a Community Sample of Early Diagnosed Autistic People
2025 · United Kingdom; Romania (origin)
Researchers compared autism-related questionnaire profiles in 26 ERA adoptees with deprivation-associated autistic characteristics, UK adoptee controls and community samples of autistic young people. Many features overlapped with community autism, while some communication and repetitive behaviours persisted and social reciprocity difficulties declined over time.
What is school like? An exploration of the experiences of school from the perspectives of adoptive parents and adopted children
2020 · United Kingdom
An empirical study interviewed three adopted secondary-school children and analysed their accounts using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes concerned relationships, adoptive status and inclusion. Children described the importance of peer and staff relationships and having agency over disclosure of adoption. A separate review examined adoptive-parent accounts of school.
Whatever happened to baby Mei? A phenomenological study of adoption appraisal in midlife
2017 · United Kingdom
Face-to-face interviews with 68 Chinese women in their forties and fifties examined how they understood adoption in midlife. They had been adopted from Hong Kong orphanages into UK families in the 1960s. Phenomenological analysis described changing appraisals of adoption, losses and gains, individual meanings and communication about adoption within and beyond families.
When people adopted from severely depriving institutions become parents: The experiences of young adult mothers from the ERA study and their adoptive parents
2023 · United Kingdom
Researchers analysed accounts from 14 young adult mothers adopted into the UK after severe Romanian institutional deprivation, alongside accounts from their adoptive parents. Becoming a parent brought fulfilment, motivation and relationships with biological relatives. Reported challenges included risk appraisal and organising daily activities; practical and emotional support from adoptive grandparents was often described as helpful.
Where Do They Belong?—Adoption of Mixed-Race Children in Late 1950s and Early 1960s Britain
2022 · Great Britain (regional breakdown not specified)
Historical research examined mixed-race children’s adoption in Britain during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Analysis of adoption records and advice literature identified colonial and racial assumptions shaping treatment of children and their birth and adoptive families.
Why are we waiting? The demography of adoption for children of black, Asian and black mixed parentage in England
2005 · England
A study of adopter recruitment policy and practice examined adoption prospects for children of black, Asian and mixed heritage in England. Researchers described differences in children’s age profiles and needs, and considered how population patterns and adopter expectations could affect matching and waiting.
Why does early childhood deprivation increase the risk for depression and anxiety in adulthood? A developmental cascade model
2020 · United Kingdom; Romania (origin)
The ERA study examined pathways from early deprivation to depression and anxiety in young adulthood, using childhood parent reports and later parent and adoptee reports. Statistical modelling linked early neurodevelopmental difficulties to adult emotional problems through unemployment and difficulties with friendships during the transition to adulthood. Results concerning later stress reactivity were inconclusive.
X. Conclusions: overview of findings from the era study, inferences, and research implications
2010 · United Kingdom
This concluding research chapter synthesises ERA findings through age 15, comparing prolonged Romanian institutional deprivation with UK adoptees and Romanian groups without prolonged institutional care. The analysis describes persisting difficulties in some young people after deprivation beyond six months and examines whether their patterns differed from other psychological difficulties.