Adjustment Among Adopted Children: The Role of Maternal Self‐Reflectiveness*

The maternal self‐reflective function was assumed to affect maternal perceptions of adopted children's adjustment. In a sample of Israeli mothers of school‐aged, non‐referred children, self‐reflectiveness scores were found to discriminate between adoptive ( N = 50 ) and non‐adoptive ( N = 80 ) participants, and affect the rate of perceived externalizing behaviors. Specific protective and risk factors that characterize adoptive motherhood are discussed, indicating their implications for therapeutic intervention.