Improvements in Salivary Cortisol, Depression, and Representations of Family Relationships in At-Risk Adopted Children Utilizing a Short-Term Therapeutic Intervention

Abstract

Adopted children with histories of abuse, neglect, or trauma are disproportionately represented among those who deteriorate into behavioral and emotional disorders. Numerous mechanisms have been identified which are believed to drive these aberrations in development such as changes in children's trust and belief systems, changes in their stress reactivity, and changes in their brain development and brain chemistry. The current study was carried out in the context of a therapeutic summer day camp for at-risk, adopted children with histories of neglect, abuse, or trauma. Research findings document reduced levels of salivary cortisol, reductions in child depression, and healthier attachment representations as assessed through family drawings. These findings highlight reduction of fear as a crucial element in creating positive behavioral change in at-risk adopted children.