Abstract
This study examined parent-child relationship variables (child attachment, parental sensitivity, and prior parenting experience) and child behavior problems in parents and their international adopted children with a cleft lip and palate (CLP+; n = 29) and without a CLP- (n = 55). First, results do not show any group differences on child attachment (secure attachment CLP+ = 69%, CLP- = 59%), or on externalizing problems, but fewer internalizing problems were found for CLP children. Second, mothers of CLP children, although they have more prior parenting experiences, are less sensitive than mothers of children without a CLP. Parents with prior parenting experience or higher sensitivity are more likely to have a child with a secure attachment, but sensitivity, prior parenting experiences and attachment are not significantly associated with behavior problems. Finally, children with both a CLP and an insecure attachment show more externalizing problems and tend to have less sensitive mothers.