Associations Between Preadoption Maltreatment and Adoptees’ Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties: The Buffering Role of Mindful Parenting

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The main goal of this study was to explore the association between preadoption maltreatment and postadoption child emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD), while examining the potential buffering role of adoptive parents’ mindful parenting on this association. The potential moderating role of the child’s current age, of the time passed since the adoptive placement, and of the parents’ sex was also explored within the buffering role of mindful parenting. Method This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 277 parents (76.2% females) with adoptive children aged 2 to 17 years. Results Experiencing preadoption maltreatment and more diverse types of maltreatment were associated with higher EBD among adoptees as perceived by the parents. Mindful parenting had a buffering role in the association between preadoption maltreatment and EBD for adoptees up to 8 years of age and an independent direct explanatory role on EBD for adoptees of all other ages. Conclusions Intervening with adoptive parents through mindful parenting programs seems to be relevant to promote adoptees’ mental health. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.