BACKGROUND: There are approximately 2 million adoptive parents in the United 
States and some struggle with depressive symptoms postplacement. We know little 
about personality traits that may be associated with depression in adoptive 
parents.
OBJECTIVES: This study describes the relationships between personality traits, 
unmet expectations, and maternal postadoption depression.
DESIGN: Adoptive mothers (N = 136) were surveyed for depressive symptoms using 
the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Edinburgh 
Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Analyses included correlations and a 
regression analysis between depressive symptoms and unmet expectations with the 
Five-Factor Model personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, 
conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience) as measured by 
the Ten-Item Personality Inventory.
RESULTS: Both the CES-D and EPDS were significantly, negatively correlated with 
all five personality dimensions. Mothers whose expectations of themselves as 
parents matched pre- and postplacement were more likely to be emotionally stable 
and extraverted. Approximately 36% of the variance in depressive symptoms was 
explained by personality traits (emotional stability: p < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS: The postadoption period is a crucial time of transition for mothers 
and their children. Maternal emotional stability, depressive symptoms, and unmet 
expectations may affect this period. Mothers who are lower in emotional 
stability may be at risk for postadoptive depressive symptoms. In planning and 
providing innovative care that promotes positive mother-child relationships, 
nurses should assess adoptive mothers for depressive symptoms, emotional 
stability, and unmet expectations.