A new study shows that adopted teenagers approach romance and relationships about the same as non-adopted youths. The findings challenge old assumptions about adoption and adolescent adjustment and offer reassurance to families and educators in Thailand and beyond.
In Thailand, attitudes toward adoption are evolving, yet misconceptions linger. Some parents and teachers worry that adopted youths may face emotional or social challenges in dating and intimacy. The latest evidence suggests these fears may be overstated.
Researchers compared dating experiences, attitudes toward love, and relationship behaviors between adopted and non-adopted adolescents. They found no meaningful differences in how the groups form and manage romantic relationships. Lead researchers emphasize that adoption does not limit a young person’s ability to form healthy attachments or experience typical teenage emotions. “Our results indicate that adopted teens generally have dating experiences and relationship skills similar to those of their non-adopted peers,” the study team notes, underscoring the resilience of adopted youths.
Context from Thailand, where formal adoptions remain relatively uncommon, helps challenge persistent biases. Thai cultural beliefs often emphasize biological ties, which can lead to concerns that adopted children feel less secure or struggle with intimacy. The new evidence suggests these concerns are likely overstated regarding adolescent romantic development.
Child psychology and social work experts have long argued that stable, supportive environments matter most for healthy adolescent development, regardless of biological origin. The study reinforces this view, showing that family environment and parenting quality play larger roles than adoption status in shaping teens’ confidence, relationship-building skills, and emotional well-being. A spokesperson for a leading Bangkok hospital’s adoption program urges updating assumptions about adopted youths and focusing on healthy relationships at home and in schools.
In Thai education and mental health settings, teachers and counselors frequently work with adopted students, especially in urban areas. Understanding that adopted teens are typically as capable as their peers in forming positive relationships can reduce stigma, support inclusive classrooms, and guide counseling toward universal strategies that benefit all students.
Adoption has historically carried stigma in some Thai communities, with episodes of misunderstanding or exclusion toward adopted children. With culturally sensitive education, these findings can empower Thai families who choose to adopt and remind communities that adopted children deserve equal opportunities for healthy emotional and social development.
Looking ahead, researchers hope to explore nuanced experiences of adopted youths across cultures and international adoption contexts. For Thailand, local research into school experiences and transitions into adulthood could provide data-driven guidance for policymakers and educators seeking to support this important population.
For Thai families, these conclusions offer comfort and guidance. With nurturing homes and open communication, adopted teenagers can navigate love and dating alongside their peers. Educators should treat each student as an individual, focusing on personal strengths and challenges rather than adoption status.
Practically, families and schools should promote inclusive relationship education, provide safe spaces for discussing social and romantic concerns, and avoid assumptions tied to adoption. Policymakers might use these insights to reduce stigma, expand post-adoption support, and raise awareness about the diverse potential of Thai adolescents.
Notes for readers seeking more context: research summaries are reported by PsyPost, and related data on Thailand’s alternative care landscape comes from UNICEF’s work in the country.