The impact of foster children's behavioural problems on Flemish foster mothers' parenting behaviour

Abstract

Professor, ‡Researcher, Department of Clinical and Lifespan Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, †Opvang vzw afdeling Brabant, Brussels, Belgium A B S T R AC TFoster children often have behavioural problems. Behavioural problems influence the level of parenting stress and can lead to a breakdown. In this study, parenting behaviour of foster mothers is mapped, and the influence of behavioural problems and parenting stress on the parenting behaviour 2 years later is examined. Data of behavioural problems, family stress and parenting were gathered from 49 foster mothers. Problem behaviour has a direct negative impact on parenting and leads to less support and more negative control. It also results in more parenting stress. Foster parents need to be trained aiming at preventing ineffective parenting. The well-being of foster parents needs to be guarded. Higher levels of parenting stress lead to less effective parenting.

The effectiveness of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care for Preschoolers (MTFC-P) for young children with severe behavioral disturbances: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Additionally, adverse or inconsistent caregiving tends to cause atypical functioning of children’s biological stress systems, such as changes in the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary (HPA) axis, represented by abnormal cortisol segregation [12,13], and altered stress regulation activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) [14]. After placement in foster care, problems tend to persist or even worsen [15,16], and not only negatively affect the parenting behavior of foster carers [17] but also increase the risk of placement breakdown. Placement breakdown may start a vicious circle in which the chance of another failure increases with every breakdown [18].…”

Searching for effective interventions for foster children under stress: a meta‐analysis

“…Knowledge on the evidence of general and specific interventions for foster parents is of great importance to practice. It may help foster parents ‘do the right things’, for instance, using positive discipline practices and becoming more supportive towards their foster child (Vanderfaeillie et al . 2012).…”

Impact of the parenting style of foster parents on the behaviour problems of foster children

“…Research has also found that negative parenting strategies have a greater impact on behaviour problems than does the mere absence of positive relationships (Vanderfaeillie et al . ).…”

“…By contrast, a rigid and aggressive parenting style has been associated with poorer outcomes as regard behaviour problems (Schofield & Beek , ; Fernandez ). In a recent study, Vanderfaeillie and colleagues () showed that problem behaviour decreased when foster parents were more engaged with their foster children, teaching them rules, guiding their behaviour and encouraging them to be more independent.…”