Psychology & Brain Sciences 391AD - S-Psychology of Adoption

This seminar explores the psychology of adoption from multiple perspectives: adopted persons, adoptive parents, birth parents, and the individuals or entities that arranged the adoption. In addition to the primary psychological focus, we will examine how adoption is affected by cultural, historical, geopolitical, and economic contexts in which it occurs. We will also critically evaluate the research literature relating to adoption and discuss issues regarding practice (clinical and psychoeducational) and policy (from the agency level to that of international treaties). The seminar requires a commitment to active participation by all students.

Open to Senior and Junior Psychology majors only.