Depresja poadopcyjna. Przegląd literatury

Marta Kuty-Pachecka

doi:10.18290/rped25174.6

Published : 2025-12-17

Vol. 17 No. 4 (2025)

Post-Adoption Depression: A Literature Review

Marta Kuty-Pachecka

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3742-1231

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rped25174.6

Abstract

Post-adoption depression (PAD) is an emerging phenomenon that increasingly attracts researchers’ attention within the context of emotional challenges associated with the transition to adoptive parenthood. In contrast to postpartum depression, PAD affects adoptive parents and may have distinct causes and outcomes. In Poland, the issue of post-adoption depression remains relatively underexplored. The aim of this article is to present the findings of existing research on PAD. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. This review covers studies published between 2009 and 2024. The keywords used during the search included: “post-adoption depression”, “depression”, and “adoption”. Ultimately, 18 empirical research articles were included in the analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that post-adoption depression is a common phenomenon that requires further research and the development of appropriate support programs for adoptive parents. Building realistic expectations and ensuring access to psychological support appear to be crucial for adoptive families’ well-being.

Keywords:

adoption, post-adoption depression, depression

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