A1 Journal article (refereed)
Nurture and play for foster families with young children : Foster-parents’ reflections on attachment-focused group intervention (2022)
Ανατροφή και παιχνίδι για ανάδοχες οικογένειες με μικρά παιδιά : Αναστοχασμοί ανάδοχων γονέων για μία ομαδική παρέμβαση με επίκεντρο την προσκόλληση

Tuomi, K., & Ala-Ruona, E. (2022). Nurture and play for foster families with young children : Foster-parents’ reflections on attachment-focused group intervention. Approaches, First View. https://doi.org/10.56883/aijmt.2024.66

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Tuomi, Kirsi; Ala-Ruona, Esa

Journal or series: Approaches

eISSN: 2459-3338

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 27/06/2022

Volume: First View

Publisher: Approaches

Publication country: Greece

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56883/aijmt.2024.66

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/84611

Abstract

An insecure attachment history puts foster children at risk for many kinds of difficulties, which may include psychopathology. Nurture and Play (NaP) for foster families–intervention for children aged one to five years of age aims to help the new attachment relationship between foster parents and their young children develop in a secure direction. The aim of this study is to gain deeper understanding on how foster parents use their mentalization skills to reflect the different meanings of the NaP for foster families–intervention. A stimulated recall method was chosen to correspond to these research targets. It was revealed that parents’ reflections were evidently focused on the child, the importance of safety and the meaning of change during the process. Emotional qualities concerning both the child and the adult were also emphasised. The foster parents were able to utilise their reflections within a wider context of place, relationships, and time. The results of the study and the core concepts of attachment theory are strongly related to each other. Furthermore, the study and its outcomes offer suggested priorities and suggestions for future research.

Keywords: foster families; foster parents; foster children; family relations; early childhood; attachment (relations); attachment theory; family therapy; music therapy; Theraplay; theory of mind

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1