Risk and developmental heterogeneity in previously institutionalized children

J Adolesc Health. 2012 Aug;51(2 Suppl):S29-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.04.004.

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the developmental outcomes of children adopted from institutional care. The author describes how institutional care is a risk factor for typical human development and describes the areas of development, both behavioral and neurobiological, that are most vulnerable to this risk. Also described is variation in outcome and resilience, where some children thrive despite exposure to adverse rearing conditions. The author concludes with an emphasis on heterogeneity in outcome, describing how the risk associated with institutional care is not a deterministic factor but rather an influential one.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adoption / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / etiology*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Welfare / psychology
  • Child, Institutionalized / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology*
  • Developmental Disabilities / psychology
  • Female
  • Foster Home Care
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Risk Factors