Student researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will publish a paper and present results of their research project at a national meeting thanks to their association with Professor of Psychology Doug Henderson.

Seniors Stephanie Perry of Kohler and Dave Houston of Pittsville are the second generation of students who have joined the professor in studying some of the issues associated with adoption and the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, adoptees). They will discuss their findings in April at a meeting of the National Adoption Congress in Anaheim, Calif. Henderson also will present a paper at the professional meeting.

Unlike some of Henderson�s former students who viewed the subject from afar, Perry and Houston have personal experiences with adoption as does the professor. Both Henderson and Perry, a native of Colombia, were adopted as infants and Houston�s father also was adopted.

Surprisingly, Houston had no idea about his father�s past until he began the student research project and his dad "mentioned he was adopted." While Perry�s life with her adoptive parents has been happy, she says she would like to travel to Columbia someday to experience the culture of her birth family.

Through their analysis of 240 open-ended responses to an adoption survey, Perry and Houston found that depression, inability to form attachments and feelings of abandonment are common emotions among adoptees. Also, if adoptees try to locate birth parents, closed adoption laws in most states make the process difficult.

In dealing with these dynamics, members of the triad may seek counseling which often presents another problem explored by Perry and Houston. Adoptees and birth parents report that therapists are woefully unprepared to work with clients experiencing the emotional complexities involved with adoption. Most psychologists have not been trained to help clients deal with these issues. Survey respondents also indicated a need for more support groups specific to adoptees.

To help finance the trip to California, Houston and Perry each received a $300 grant from the Student Research Fund (SRF), and additional support from the Residence Hall Association, Student Government Association, Multicultural Affairs Office, Psychology Department and the Chancellor�s Office.

The SRF provides UWSP undergraduate and graduate students with funding up to $500 to support expenses incurred doing research under faculty guidance.

Both students describe their research work with Professor Henderson as "an incredible learning experience." Following graduation, Houston plans to pursue graduate work in child psychology and Perry anticipates studying for a master�s degree in social work.

Dave is the son of John and Elaine Houston, 7885 East Bend Road, Pittsville, and Stephanie is the daughter of Steve and Debbie Perry, 627 Pine Tree Road, Kohler.

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