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Dissertation
The pathology and treatment of children in foster care
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Hahnemann University
Jul 1989
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007693
Abstract
Despite the growing numbers of children in foster care placements and the increasing incidence of foster children in psychological treatment, the topics of the pathology and treatment of this special population are strikingly underrepresented in research and scholarly writings. Reasons for inconclusive research results on foster children are suggested: (1) heterogeneity of the population; (2) multiple placements which undermine longitudinal study; (3) confounding historical factors, such as abuse and neglect; and (4) the devastating emotional reactions of psychologists to the foster child's overwhelming loss and chaotic life situations. Some active research by clinicians has identified severe ego pathology among this population, including: lowered IQ, developmental delay, social maladjustment, learning disabilities, school maladjustment, suicidality, primitive defenses, and pathological object relations. A review of the literature on maternal deprivation and children with surrogate parents suggests that foster children are a subset of maternally deprived children, suffering much of the same symptomatology due to deprivation, but their symptoms may be exacerbated and extended in time due to ongoing and repeated losses. The life situations of foster children inherently prevent them from establishing a secure relationship with a psychological parent-that is, an exclusive, and permanent attachment to a caretaking figure. A Dynamic Development Interaction approach to assessment and treatment may prove most efficacious in therapy with foster children because it encompasses biological, emotional, and environmental factors, and their mutual interactions. Goals of therapy with foster children include helping him (1) grieve his losses without repeating them; (2) establish new and secure attachments; and (3) improve ego functioning. Clinicians must be aware of (1) psychological issues of the child; (2) psychological issues of his natural parents; (3) issues of the surrogate parents; (4) workings of the child welfare system; and (5) the therapist's own countertransference issues.
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Details
- Title
- The pathology and treatment of children in foster care
- Creators
- Christine L. Blaine
- Awarding Institution
- Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Publisher
- Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 118 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Hahnemann University (1982-1993); Mental Health (Technology/Sciences) [Historical]; School of Health Sciences and Humanities (1988-1993); Psychology [Historical]
- Other Identifier
- 991021888829004721