Stigma Social stigma is social discrimination against certain individuals which are discredited for having different social traits or physical characteristics other than what is considered the norm (March, 2015; Riley-Behringer et al., 2014). Social stigma plays a role in which race of children parents decide to adopt based on their own race. For example, a nonwhite family is more attuned to racially-based prejudice therefore if they adopt a white child socially they may be put into the stereotype of a nonwhite nanny taking care of a white child (Ishizawa, 2006). Cultural genocide also plays a role in the stigma associated with transracial adoption (Hollingsworth, 1998; Lee, 2003; Simon & Altstein, 1996). Cultural genocide is seen as diminishing
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It is the parent’s responsibility to find ways to expose the child and become involved in the child’s birth culture (Vonk, 2001). There is multiple way to increase exposure of the child to their birth culture one of them being reading about aspects of the child’s birth culture or spending time with families who are of the same birth culture of the child. Studies have shown that parents who become more involved in the child’s birth culture tend to have children who are also involved and comfortable with the culture (Vonk, 2001).
Coping Strategies The ability for children to cope with stress and difficult situations that arise vary from case to case. Studies have shown that coping strategies that focus on emotions or are avoidance strategies are related to poor adjustment (Reinoso et al., 2013). Instead it is recommended that children use problem focused or approach strategies which lead to a more positive adjustment. The most common coping strategy used in regards to adoption problems is seeking social support which was shown to have a positive relationship with their adoptive parents (Reinoso et al., 2013).
Emotional and Behavioral …show more content…
Studies have shown that in order for a child to develop a healthy identity the parent must be willing to be invested in the child’s best interest. This could be applicable to many situations for example if the parent makes the effort to be culturally competent and help the child through the formation of bicultural identity the adjustment for the child will be a lot easier than if the child did not have supportive parents. The parents must also be willing to change some attitudes or beliefs in their attempt to become more culturally competent and guide the child in the difficulties that may arise. By doing so the parents can help the child be prepared for situation in which racial discrimination may be an issue because the parents can’t protect the child from racial discrimination the best thing they can do is prepare the child. In conclusion, transracial adoption may come with a series of difficulties the parent and child may face but with the determination and willingness of the parents to guide the child through difficulties it can allow the child to adapt successfully and experience a healthy
It is the parent’s responsibility to find ways to expose the child and become involved in the child’s birth culture (Vonk, 2001). There is multiple way to increase exposure of the child to their birth culture one of them being reading about aspects of the child’s birth culture or spending time with families who are of the same birth culture of the child. Studies have shown that parents who become more involved in the child’s birth culture tend to have children who are also involved and comfortable with the culture (Vonk, 2001).
Coping Strategies The ability for children to cope with stress and difficult situations that arise vary from case to case. Studies have shown that coping strategies that focus on emotions or are avoidance strategies are related to poor adjustment (Reinoso et al., 2013). Instead it is recommended that children use problem focused or approach strategies which lead to a more positive adjustment. The most common coping strategy used in regards to adoption problems is seeking social support which was shown to have a positive relationship with their adoptive parents (Reinoso et al., 2013).
Emotional and Behavioral …show more content…
Studies have shown that in order for a child to develop a healthy identity the parent must be willing to be invested in the child’s best interest. This could be applicable to many situations for example if the parent makes the effort to be culturally competent and help the child through the formation of bicultural identity the adjustment for the child will be a lot easier than if the child did not have supportive parents. The parents must also be willing to change some attitudes or beliefs in their attempt to become more culturally competent and guide the child in the difficulties that may arise. By doing so the parents can help the child be prepared for situation in which racial discrimination may be an issue because the parents can’t protect the child from racial discrimination the best thing they can do is prepare the child. In conclusion, transracial adoption may come with a series of difficulties the parent and child may face but with the determination and willingness of the parents to guide the child through difficulties it can allow the child to adapt successfully and experience a healthy