Childhood Sexual Abuse and the Impact on Postadoptive Child and Family Functioning: A Systematic Synthesis of the Research Literature

Abstract

Among children adopted from the child welfare system, children with sexual abuse histories may be particularly vulnerable to adoption adjustment difficulties. The present paper attempts to provide a systematic review of empirical research published between 1985 and 2006. Critiqued studies have been organized according to sample characteristics, design, gender, and the postadoptive child and family functioning of children with sexual abuse histories. Although the findings reveal a paucity of research on adopted children with sexual abuse histories, these children are more susceptible to continuing emotional and behavioral challenges that may deleteriously affect the parent-child relationship and increase the risk for adoption disruptions. A summary of the literature’s findings is provided and recommendations for future research are discussed.