Megan M Hare, Kathryn L Humphreys, Ana Cosmoiu, Nathan A Fox, Charles A Nelson, Charles H Zeanah
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In the present study, we examined adaptive functioning data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, a randomized controlled trial of foster care as an alternative to institutional care following exposure to severe psychosocial deprivation. Adaptive functioning refers to the skills individuals need to meet age-appropriate social and practical demands required for independent functioning. These abilities are essential for successful navigation of daily life and can be impacted by early adversity. We report data from 134 children (55% female) assessed in early adulthood (Mage = 18.9 years). Adaptive functioning was assessed via the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland). We found that 16 years after randomization occurred, those who had been randomized to the foster care group (FCG) had significantly higher scores in adaptive functioning, including communication and socialization skills, compared to those in care as usual group (CAUG). Further, when examining age equivalences (i.e., individual's adaptive functioning by representing their functional level in terms of age milestones), individuals in the FCG had higher age equivalences compared to those in the CAUG. Mediation analyses revealed that caregiving quality partially mediated the association between the intent-to-treat group (i.e., CAUG vs. FCG) and adaptive functioning, with higher caregiving quality associated with higher levels of adaptive functioning. Similarly, caregiving quality mediated the association when comparing the never-institutionalized group to the ever-institutionalized group (CAUG + FCG) and adaptive functioning. These findings underscore the positive impact of nurturing environments on children's adaptive functioning and indicate that early investment in family care as an alternative to institutional care leads to better adaptive functioning during the transition to adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
期刊介绍：
Developmental Psychology ® publishes articles that significantly advance knowledge and theory about development across the life span. The journal focuses on seminal empirical contributions. The journal occasionally publishes exceptionally strong scholarly reviews and theoretical or methodological articles. Studies of any aspect of psychological development are appropriate, as are studies of the biological, social, and cultural factors that affect development. The journal welcomes not only laboratory-based experimental studies but studies employing other rigorous methodologies, such as ethnographies, field research, and secondary analyses of large data sets. We especially seek submissions in new areas of inquiry and submissions that will address contradictory findings or controversies in the field as well as the generalizability of extant findings in new populations. Although most articles in this journal address human development, studies of other species are appropriate if they have important implications for human development. Submissions can consist of single manuscripts, proposed sections, or short reports.
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