Adopting Reason

Genetics

Mothering: It's Not About the Chromosomes

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on May 7, 2018

Do you define "family" the way the DNA testing companies do?

Do you define "family" the way the DNA testing companies do?

Fear

Growing Up Too Fast? Early Adversity Affects Fear Responses

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on October 3, 2017

The development of brain systems for detecting threats is affected in complex ways by early experiences of deprivation and neglect.

The development of brain systems for detecting threats is affected in complex ways by early experiences of deprivation and neglect.

Child Development

Timing Matters in the Effects of Neglect on Development

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on July 18, 2017

How much can stable, nurturing homes help children overcome the effects of severe early neglect?

How much can stable, nurturing homes help children overcome the effects of severe early neglect?

Adoption

Kids Can Thrive with Gay Parents

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on November 21, 2016

New evidence reaffirms that children have equal chance to thrive in families with gay and straight parents.

New evidence reaffirms that children have equal chance to thrive in families with gay and straight parents.

Early-life neglect has a host of negative consequences for child development. What interventions can help?

Genetics

DNA Tests for Ethnic Ancestry in Adoption: A Skeptic’s View

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on July 8, 2016

How reliably can your DNA tell a story about where your ancestors came from?

How reliably can your DNA tell a story about where your ancestors came from?

Adoption

Is Transracial Adoption Harmful to Kids?

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on May 11, 2016

Research has found little evidence of harm from being raised in an adoptive family of a different race.

Research has found little evidence of harm from being raised in an adoptive family of a different race.

Stress

The Consequences of Neglect

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on April 5, 2016

There is a startling disconnect between the scientific evidence and child welfare practices in many places in the world.

There is a startling disconnect between the scientific evidence and child welfare practices in many places in the world.

Adoption

Are Adopted Children at Risk for Abuse?

Rebecca Compton Ph.D. on March 23, 2016

While lurid media reports stoke anti-adoption sentiments, evidence indicates that adoption protects rather than endangers children.

While lurid media reports stoke anti-adoption sentiments, evidence indicates that adoption protects rather than endangers children.