Long-term effects of maternal loss on Vietnamese Amerasians.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the differential effects of maternal, single surrogate, and multiple surrogate caregiving on psychological and educational outcomes in a group of Vietnamese Amerasians.

METHOD

Subjects were assessed in Vietnam using several measures of affective and behavioral symptomatology as well as a detailed psychosocial history.

RESULTS

Amerasians who lived continuously with their biological mothers had fewer symptoms of psychological distress than did either group raised by surrogate caregivers. In addition, those living continuously with either their mothers or a single surrogate had better educational outcomes and experienced fewer geographic relocations than did those raised by multiple surrogates.

CONCLUSIONS

Amerasians who remained continuously with their biological mothers had better overall outcomes than did those raised by surrogate caregivers. Continuous surrogate caregiving appeared to offer some, but not complete, protection from the adverse effects of maternal loss. The clinical significance of these findings for those assessing and treating Amerasians, as well as for those assisting immigration officials with relocation decisions, is discussed.