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Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020

Is there much evidence that children fare worse in transracial adoptions than in same-race adoptions?

Allegra Taylor, Gigafact
no

Adopted children of a different race than their adoptive parents are largely as well-adjusted as adoptees of the same race, research shows.

A study comparing 357 adoptive families reported little difference in overall adoptive identity and adjustment between same-race and transracial adoptees. Similarly, an analysis involving more than 2,000 transracial adoptees found comparable levels of self-esteem.

Studies demonstrate that discussion about ethnic identity is essential for families that adopt transracially. Adoptees whose parents emphasized learning about their child's heritage reported fewer "feelings of being different,” a study reported. While there is evidence that transracial adoptees can struggle with their racial or ethnic identity, past studies suggest that placement delays may cause more harm than racial differences between adoptees and their adopted families.

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