Does adopted mean different? An attributional analysis.

46 adopted and 121 nonadopted Ss, aged 13–21 yrs and from upper-middle-class families, completed a series of attributional stories, Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale, and a perceived parenting questionnaire. Results indicate that attributions were different and that, contrary to expectations, adopted Ss were significantly more confident and viewed others more positively than nonadopted Ss. They also had a more internal locus of control than their nonadopted peers, and their adoptive parents were experienced as significantly more nurturant, comforting, predictable, protectively concerned, and helpful than were nonadoptive parents. It is suggested that an important correlate of attributional judgments is the parenting that is experienced. Results are discussed in terms of other studies that have reported an excessive number of adopted persons who have psychological problems. (51 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)