Attachment Development and Psychosocial Adjustment of Foster Children: Individual and Social Influencing Factors
Method: Longitudinal study with foster children aged approximately 1.5 to 6 years
Third-Party Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG)
Cooperative Project: University of Erlangen–Nuremberg & Dortmund University of Applied Sciences
Project Leads (Erlangen)
- Dr. Ina Bovenschen
- Prof. Dr. Gottfried Spangler
Research Associates (until 2013)
- Dr. Sandra Gabler
- Katrin Lang, Dipl.-Psych.
- Janin Zimmermann, Dipl.-Psych.
Background of the Research Project
While decades of research have provided extensive knowledge about the attachment development of children growing up in their biological families, there is still a lack of studies focusing on the attachment development of foster children. Foster children constitute a high-risk group due both to adverse experiences in their families of origin (e.g. maltreatment, neglect) and to experiences of separation and disrupted attachment relationships. As a result, foster children often show difficulties across various domains. For example, they are particularly vulnerable to the development of psychological problems, frequently display developmental delays, often show attachment-related difficulties, and may exhibit abnormalities in psychophysiological stress regulation.
Pilot Project
In an initial pilot study with foster children aged 3 to 8 years, we found that a substantial proportion of foster children continued to show attachment-related difficulties even after having lived in their foster families for an extended period. These difficulties were also associated with other child problems, such as aggressive behaviour or difficulties with peers. In some cases, the children’s psychological symptoms were comparable to those found in clinical samples and were influenced both by the circumstances of placement and by experiences in the children’s families of origin.
The results of the pilot project can be found here: Pilot Project Report (german)
Current Project
Because the first study included foster children who had already been living in their foster families for some time, it was not possible to determine why some children were more successful than others in forming new, positive relationships within their foster families, or which factors promote healthy psychological development.
To address these questions, the current research project was designed as a three-year longitudinal study in which a total of 59 foster children aged approximately 1.5 to 6 years were followed during their first year in foster care. A key focus of the study is the observation of the development of the attachment relationship between foster children and their foster parents, as well as the identification of factors influencing this development. In addition, conditions of the child’s psychosocial adjustment within the foster family are examined. Another focus lies on the assessment of symptoms of attachment disorders in foster children. Furthermore, the study investigates the extent to which the foster child’s relationship with their foster parents affects the course of the child’s psychological problems and stress levels.
The long-term goal of this project is to enable the development of a counselling programme for foster parents by improving our understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy adjustment in foster children. Such a programme aims to promote positive foster parent–child relationships and support children’s healthy development.
Presentation of the central findings of the foster care project: Presentation (german)
Cooperation
The cooperation partner of the Erlangen research site is Dortmund University of Applied Sciences, led by Prof. Dr. Katja Nowacki.
This research project was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) from January 2010 to December 2013.
Flyer for download: Flyer