A1 Journal article (refereed)
Relationships of young adults with foster care backgrounds : tensions and management strategies (2021)
Tahkola, E., Metsäpelto, R., Ruohotie‐Lyhty, M., & Poikkeus, A. (2021). Relationships of young adults with foster care backgrounds : tensions and management strategies. Child and Family Social Work, 26(3), 358-369. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12816
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Tahkola, Elli‐Maria; Metsäpelto, Riitta‐Leena; Ruohotie‐Lyhty, Maria; Poikkeus, Anna‐Maija
Journal or series: Child and Family Social Work
ISSN: 1356-7500
eISSN: 1365-2206
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 08/12/2020
Volume: 26
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 358-369
Publisher: Wiley
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12816
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73214
Abstract
The present study focuses on experiences of relational tensions and management strategies in family relationships among 18 young adults with foster care backgrounds who participated in interviews. In the analysis drawing from relational dialectics, three main tensions were revealed in the participants' relationships with birth and foster family members or in their romantic relationships: the dialectics of emotional distance‐closeness, integration‐separation and sameness‐otherness. In addition, the tension of the childhood dialectic of responsibility was identified in this study. The tensions were managed utilizing eight strategies. The findings highlight the importance of giving a voice to young adults who have experienced the complex web of relationships in at least two families and of sensitizing both birth and foster parents and other adults working with foster children and youth to these tensions in relationships.
Keywords: young adults; human relations; family relations; family background; foster care; dialectics
Free keywords: close relationship; foster care; management strategy; relational dialectics; tension; young adult
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 2