Title

Attachment Related Stress Among Foster Mothers: A Phenomenological Study

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

Department

Counseling

Date of Award

Fall 2021

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of foster parents’ stress on attachment with their foster child. The following research question guided this phenomenological study: How do foster parents describe the experience of creating a positive attachment with their foster child? The researcher used a purposive sampling technique to select 12 foster parents. Data collection involved the use of semi-structured in-depth interviews. The researcher used Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six steps of thematic analysis to analyze data. My findings revealed eight themes relating to foster mothers experience on creating a positive attachment with their foster child: a) foster mother role; b) barriers to secure attachment; c) biological parents; d) foster children; e) foster care system; f) biological children; g) training; and h) what helps.

Advisor

LaVelle Hendricks

Subject Categories

Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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