Blace A. Nalavany

Psychosocial Experiences Associated With Confirmed and Self-Identified Dyslexia: A Participant-Driven Concept Map of Adult Perspectives

Concept mapping (a mixed qualitative—quantitative methodology) was used to describe and understand the psychosocial experiences of adults with confirmed and self-identified dyslexia. Using innovative processes of art and photography, Phase 1 of the study included 15 adults who participated in focus groups and in-depth interviews and were asked to elucidate their experiences with dyslexia. On index cards, 75 statements and experiences with dyslexia were recorded. The second phase of the study included 39 participants who sorted these statements into self-defined categories and rated each statement to reflect their personal experiences to produce a visual representation, or concept map, of their experience. The final concept map generated nine distinct cluster themes: Organization Skills for Success; Finding Success; A Good Support System Makes the Difference; On Being Overwhelmed; Emotional Downside; Why Can’t They See It?; Pain, Hurt, and Embarrassment From Past to Present; Fear of Disclosure; and Moving Forward. Implications of these findings are discussed.

An Evaluation of Gay/Lesbian and Heterosexual Adoption

Many experts in the helping professions have agreed that there is no scientific credence to support a gay and lesbian adoption ban. Nevertheless, there continues to be persistent mythology pertaining to outcomes for children adopted by gay and lesbian parents. This position may be somewhat due to the dearth of research that compares heterosexual and homosexual parenting outcomes with adopted children. To respond to this gap in the literature, this study explored the extent of emotional and behavioral problems among children aged 1.5 to 5 years (n = 380) and 6 to 18 years (n = 1,004) with gay and lesbian or heterosexual adoptive parents. A multiple regression analysis was used to assess the association between the dependent variables (child internalizing and externalizing behavior) on adoptive parent sexual orientation (gay and lesbian or heterosexual) while controlling for child age, child sex, pre-adoptive maltreatment, co-sibling adoption, adoption preparation, family income, and family functioning. As hypothesized, results indicted that child internalizing and externalizing behavior was not contingent upon adoptive parent sexual orientation. Rather, regardless of sexual orientation, adoptive parents are likely to encounter similar challenges in terms of risk factors for child behavioral problems and mitigating factors of such behavior. Recommendations for practice, policy, and future research are highlighted.

Adoptive Parents’ Attitudes Towards Gay and Lesbian Adoption

Using a cross-sectional sample, this study examined 776 adoptive parents’ attitudes toward gay and lesbian adoption. Analysis was conducted on three subgroups: married fathers, married mothers, and single mothers. Findings include that for married fathers older age, a lower level of education, a Christian religious denomination, higher levels of religiosity, and a conservative political ideology were all factors in a more negative attitude toward gay and lesbian adoption. Factors leading to less tolerant attitudes of married mothers were non-White race, having only technical training or an associates degree, a Christian religious denomination, a higher level of religiosity, and a conservative political ideology. Single mothers differed somewhat from married couples in that religious affiliation was not a factor, but non-white race, lower levels of education, stay-at-home/retired employment status, higher levels of religiosity, and a conservative political ideology were all identified as significant predictors of attitudes toward gay and lesbian adoption. These findings are consistent with the small but existing literature on the publics perceptions of gay and lesbian adoption.

Preadoptive child sexual abuse as a predictor of moves in care, adoption disruptions, and inconsistent adoptive parent commitment.

OBJECTIVE To date, little empirical attention has been given to the impact of preadoptive child sexual abuse (CSA) on adoption adjustment. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether preadoptive CSA was associated with more placement moves, adoption disruption, and inconsistent parental commitment compared to adopted children without histories of CSA. METHODS Data were collected from a convenience sample of parents with adopted children (N=117) receiving postadoption services in the state of Illinois in 2002. Thirty-three children (28.2%), nearly split evenly by gender, were reported to have histories of sexual abuse. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR). RESULTS Preadoptive CSA was significantly associated with increased odds of four or more moves in care (AOR=9.68; 95% CI=3.39-27.66), adoption disruptions (AOR=4.36; 95% CI=1.1-16.5), and inconsistent parental commitment (AOR=2.82; 95% CI=1.0-7.9). CONCLUSION These results suggest that children with preadoptive histories of sexual abuse are at greater risk of more complex adoption difficulties than adopted children without such histories. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study reinforces a small body of research suggesting that CSA profoundly complicates adoption adjustment. Findings from this study indicate that adoptive families of children with preadoptive histories of CSA need an array of preadoption and postadoption service interventions.

Externalizing Behavior Among Adopted Boys with Preadoptive Histories of Child Sexual Abuse

This study examined the severity of externalizing symptomology among adopted boys with preadoptive histories of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect/abandonment, or no abuse. The study was based on data collected across a three-year period from parents who adopted children from Floridas child welfare system. The sample consisted of 1,136 adopted boys aged 6 to 18 years. In repeated cross-sectional multivariate analyses, the results revealed that adopted boys with preadoptive child sexual abuse were prone to significantly higher levels and clinically severe externalizing symptomotology as compared to adopted boys without such histories. The findings highlight the need for postadoption services and empirically validated interventions for families adopting boys with preadoptive child sexual abuse.

Using photography and art in concept mapping research with adults with dyslexia

Reflexive photography for individual interviews and the use of art with focus groups provides a valuable method for exploring the psychosocial issues encountered by adults with dyslexia. Reflexive photography and art is particularly appropriate when interviewing adults with dyslexia who may have difficulty expressing and focusing on what they want to say. This article explores the potential of reflexive photography and art as an innovative method to generate statements by participants in concept mapping.

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

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.

Emotional experience with dyslexia and self-esteem: the protective role of perceived family support in late adulthood

Objectives: Despite the growing body of evidence that suggests dyslexia persists through the life span, there is a dearth of research that explores the complicating factor of dyslexia in late adulthood. Based upon stress and coping theory, this study examined whether perceived family support protects the impact of negative emotional experience with dyslexia on self-esteem. Methods: Adults aged 21 years and older with diagnosed or self-reported dyslexia were participants in a web-based survey. A total of 224 individuals completed the survey. These findings are from the 50 participants who reported to be 60 years or older. Completed measures include their perception of family support, emotional experience with dyslexia, self-esteem, and demographic variables. Results: Preliminary analysis revealed that negative emotional experience with dyslexia negatively impacts self-esteem. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis demonstrated that positive perceived family support significantly buffers, mitigates, and protects the effects of negative emotional experiences with dyslexia on self-esteem in individuals with dyslexia in late adulthood. Conclusion: In this study, family support promoted self-esteem because as a protective dynamic, it helped older adults cope with the emotional distress associated with dyslexia. Implications of these findings are discussed.