Onderzoek over opvoedstress bij pleegouders met kinderen tussen de 0 en 4 jaar oud

Abstract

This mixed-method research examines whether Dutch foster parents cope with parental stress regarding raising their foster child from age zero to four. The available academic literature proves that the majority of foster children are suffering from emotional and/or behavioural problems. These problems put a strain on foster parents and can cause stress to raise their foster child in the most ideal way. To examine this parental stress, 46 Dutch foster parents (31 foster mothers and 15 foster fathers) have completed the “OpvoedingsBelastingsVragenLijst (OBVL)”, a Dutch questionnaire containing 34 statements determining the level of parental stress. Foster parents experienced significant (p= <0.05) more parental stress when having a foster child with emotional and/or behavioural problems, compared to foster parents with children without these problems. Foster fathers experience a higher level of parental stress compared to foster mothers, however with a not significant difference. In addition to the OBVL scores, semi-structured interviews were conducted (n=4). Foster parents with a satisfying and trustful relationship with foster care authorities, help from the support system from family and friends and a good relationship with the biological parents of the foster child were marked to be important in the context of coping with parental stress. Further research is recommended to improve guidance provided by foster care institutions.