Being Adopted

The authors ingeniously integrate psychological and educational theory to construct a model of the normal yet unique stages of adoptee development. They demonstrate, for example, how adopted adolescents undergoing the average struggle for identity must separate, not only from their adoptive families but from their ``phantom'' biological kin as well, and how incest taboos are more problematic for adopted teenagers. Adoptees themselves here vividly describe the nagging sense of loss and insecurity that often plague them throughout life. The disquieting message is that adopted children are at risk for psychological problems. But this illuminating book should help--and comfort--adoptees, adoptive parents and others who search for their identity. Brodzinsky teaches psychology at Rutgers, Schecter is professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and Hening is a medical writer. (Apr.)