An Exploration of Family and School-Related Variables Affecting the Peer-Relation Problems of Domestically Adopted Children in Korea
AUTHOR : 최운선,안재진,변미희,권지성
INFORMATION : page. 181~196 / 2016 Vol.23 No.4
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to understand the level of peer-relation problems of Korean adopted children
and simultaneously to analyze the differences in personal characteristics and to explore the family and
school-related variables affecting their problems. To achieve this aim, fifth-wave data from the Panel Study
on Korean Adopted Children were used, and 108 school children above the fourth grade of elementary
school were selected for analysis. According to the results, the level of peer-relation problems experienced
by Korean adopted children appeared to be lower than a control group. The level of peer-relation was
negatively associated with support from family and friends as well as their level of school satisfaction. The
exploration of family and school-related variables showed that social support had negative effects on such
problems only when accounting for family variables, explaining 8.3% of the variance. By adding school
variables, the explanatory power of the model was increased to 21.6%; support from friends and school
satisfaction negatively affected their peer-relation problems, while family variables were found to be
insignificant. Based on the results of the study, suggestions are made to help with the building of sound
peer relationship and for the healthier development of these students. The limitations of the study and the
need for further research in this area are also discussed.