A1 Journal article (refereed)
Coping strategies in life stories of young adults with foster care backgrounds (2021)
Selviytymiskeinot kodin ulkopuolelle sijoitettuna olleiden nuorten aikuisten elämäntarinoissa
Tahkola, E.-M., Metsäpelto, R.-L., Ruohotie-Lyhty, M., & Poikkeus, A.-M. (2021). Coping strategies in life stories of young adults with foster care backgrounds. European Journal of Social Work, 24(5), 910-921. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2021.1954885
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: European Journal of Social Work
ISSN: 1369-1457
eISSN: 1468-2664
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 01/08/2021
Volume: 24
Issue number: 5
Pages range: 910-921
Publisher: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2021.1954885
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77257
Abstract
The study, positioned at the interface of social sciences and psychological research, focuses on coping strategies identified in interviews with 18 young adults (between 18 and 32 years) with foster care backgrounds and living in Finland. In the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA; Smith & Osborn, 2003. Interpretive phenomenological analysis. In J. A. Smith (Ed.), Qualitative psychology (pp. 51–80). Sage), three main themes of coping strategies emerged: inward orientation, outward orientation, and influencing one's life circumstances. One additional theme, acceptance, was also identified, but it was only used in young adulthood. The findings highlight the importance of giving voice to young foster care adults’ coping strategies, and sensitising foster families and professionals in the field to these strategies to better understand and support children and youth who face adversities.
Keywords: foster care; foster homes; children in placement; experiences (knowledge); coping; young people; young adults; child protection; foster home care; phenomenology
Free keywords: coping; foster care; young adult
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2021
JUFO rating: 2