Interdependence

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes interdependence in psychology with respect to international adoption. Specifically, the researcher focuses on the problems that international children have after adoption within the United States, including language or behavior problems. The paper then suggests some solutions to the problems that these children have.

Table of Contents:
Introduction/Background
Opinion/Assumptions
Nature of Interdependence
Types of Interdependence
Levels of Interdependence
Responsible Expression of Interdependence

From the Paper:

"Rusbult & Van Lange (2003) suggest that interdependence theory "does not identify an overarching need or drives that fuels interpersonal behavior" but rather suggest that humans have "diverse instrumental and social-emotional needs, some biologically based and others learned" (p.351). In the case of international adoptions situations may exist where conflicting interests "involve challenging problems of adaptation" (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003, 351). In these situations personal preferences are made known and an impulse toward "reciprocity" become powerful (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003). Most people's impulses in these situations tend to be more "self centered and de-structured, prosocial reactions requiring transformation of the given situation" (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003: 351). In these cases it is essential that parents act on behalf o their child at all costs to help avoid dilemmas and provide children the opportunity to exhibit more positive rather than negative reciprocity in a relationship."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cheney, Douglas. Mentorship in the field of behavioral disorders: An intergenerational responsibility." Education & Treatment of Children, 22.3: (1999): 234.
• Gardiner, H.W., Mutter, J.D. & Kosmitzki, C. Lives across cultures: Cross-cultural human development. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 1998.
• Hollingsworth, Leslie D. "International adoption among families in the United States: consideration of social justice." Social Work, 48.2: (2003): 209.
• "Intelligence - Heredity and Environment." Psychology: An International Perspective. 5, Feb. 2006: http://www.psypress.co.uk/pip/resources/slp/topic.asp?chapter=ch12&topic=ch12-sc-02
• LeVine, R.A. "Human parental care: Universal goals, cultural strategies, individual behavior." In R.A. LeVine, P.M. Miller & M.M. West, (eds). "Parental behavior in diverse societies: New directions for child development." San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1988.

More papers on Interdependence:

• Essay # 84586 : "Economic Interdependence"
• Analytical Essay # 55530 : "Social Interdependence"
• Case Study # 27114 : "State Sovereignty and Economic Interdependence"

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