The course of early disinhibited social engagement among post-institutionalized adopted children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Approximately 20% of post-institutionalized (PI) children exhibit disinhibited social engagement (DSE) or the propensity to approach and engage strangers. There is little longitudinal research examining changes in DSE after adoption, or methods of identifying children with persistent behaviors.

Methods

DSE was assessed observationally four times during the first 2 years postadoption in PI children 16-36 months at adoption (n = 68) relative to same-age nonadopted children (n = 52). At age 5, a validated interview determined which PI children met criteria for Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED).

Results

DSE trajectories initially increased and then stabilized. PIs had higher DSE levels initially and a steeper increase rate than NAs. When separated

SUBMITTER: Lawler JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5030154 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature