High stress experienced in the foster and kin carer role: Understanding the complexities of the carer and child in context

Harding, Leith; Murray, Kate; Shakespeare‐Finch, Jane; Frey, Ron

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.004

Cited by 24 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…Research into the well-being of foster carers has identified the stress of parenting as a primary concern (Blythe et al, 2014;Harding et al, 2018;Whenan et al, 2009). However, the rewards of parenting a child may be the motivation for foster carers to remain in the caregiving role (Swartz, 2004).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the parenting stress literature, the importance of the carer's relationship with the child remains foremost (Cooley et al, 2015;Osborn et al, 2007). Parent, child, and contextual or family-related elements have been identified as predictors of parenting stress in foster carers, with high parental stress associated with foster parent perceptions of emotional and behavioral problems of the child (Blythe et al, 2014;Harding et al, 2018;McKeough et al, 2017). However, research has found foster carers report commitment to the caregiving role even when caring for children with high psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs and express pleasure in witnessing positive change in a child's life (Dozier & Lindhiem, 2006;Mihalo et al, 2016;Whenan et al, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The relationship is complex with the negative aspects of the perceived demands of the parenting role and the positive emotions of satisfaction and pleasure associated with being a parent not easily distinguished. Gaining insight into these dyadic dimensions may unlock the reason parents and carers continue in their parenting role despite the presence of high levels of parenting-related stress (Harding et al, 2018;McKeough et al, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Key findings from research using the PSI included stressors that were generated by the parent or carer's challenges, including social changes, role conflicts, and expectations (Cole & Eamon, 2007;Murray et al, 2011). The challenges parents and carers face when a child exhibits social, emotional, and behavioral problems, with limited support and resources, such as respite care, counseling, ongoing training, and open communication, can create high levels of stress and negative perceptions of the child (Harding et al, 2018;McKeough et al, 2017;Vanderfaeillie et al, 2016;Whenan et al, 2009). The Parental Stress Scale (PSS) was developed by Berry and Jones (1995) to assess a parent's self-report of negative and positive aspects of the parent-child relationship focusing on the perception of parenting stress, rather than specific stressors, and also assessing positive feelings about parenting in the form of satisfaction.…”

Section: Assessing Positive and Negative Aspects Of Parentingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been used with diverse populations, including children who are developing typically and those who have behavior or attachment problems, physical or cognitive disabilities, psychiatric diagnoses, or physical illness. The PSS also positively correlates with perceived child behavioural problems (Louie & Cromer, 2014;Harding et al, 2018). In their review of research that utilized the PSS, Louie et al (2017) concluded that the instrument appeared valid and generalizable across cultures and populations.…”

Section: Assessing Positive and Negative Aspects Of Parentingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding the Parental Stress Scale With a Foster Carer Cohort

et al. 2020

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Objective Using a cohort of foster and kin carers, the research examined the underlying factor structure of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS; Berry & Jones, 1995). A hypothesized underlying two‐dimensional theoretical model was explored. Background With the growing demands on the foster care system, including poor retention and recruitment of foster carers, there is an urgent need to explore the positive and negative factors that may influence carers continued engagement in the role. Method The factor structure of the PSS was examined in a sample of foster and kin carers in Australia (N = 324). The PSS consists of 10 statements addressing stressful aspects of parenting and eight statements addressing satisfying aspects of parenting. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) explored the underlying theoretical structure of the scale as determined by the developers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm whether four factors would sustain reduction to a two‐dimensional (satisfaction–stress) model. Results EFA and CFA supported a two‐dimensional moderately correlated model measuring parent stress and parent satisfaction. The Parent Stress Index IV Short Form provided concurrent validity for the PSS stress subscale and previous analyses have also identified the strength of these dimensions over time, cohorts, and contexts. Conclusion The current study supports using the subscale scores in research with foster carers and potentially other populations to better capture both stress and rewards and satisfaction related to their parenting role. Implications Application of the PSS subscales can assess interactions or moderating effects of parenting in specific cohorts, making the PSS a valuable instrument to examine the balance between stress and reward for parents, foster parents and others who are “parenting” children.

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