Foster caregiver motivation and infant attachment: How do reasons for fostering affect relationships?

Susan A. Cole

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study reports the results of the effects of types of caregiver motivation to foster parent on the security of attachment of infants in care. Using the Motivations for Foster Parenting Inventory and the Ainsworth Strange Situation Procedure, the differences in motivation of kin and non-kin caregivers and the effects of motivation on security of attachment of 46 infants is reported. Result found that motivations to foster, such as the desire to increase family size, and social concern for the community, were significant predictors for secure attachment; while reasons for fostering such as spiritual expression, adoption, and replacement of a grown child, were predictors of insecure attachment. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)441-457
Number of pages17
JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal
Volume22
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005

Keywords

  • Attachment
  • Foster caregiver
  • Infant
  • Motivation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • General Social Sciences

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