An Investigation of the Psychological Need Satisfaction Levels of Foster Families

Year 2025, Volume: 33 Issue: 1, 67 - 77, 28.01.2025

Bilgin Kıray Vural , Özlem Körükçü , Gülay Taşdemir

https://doi.org/10.24106/kefdergi.1628242

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the psychological need satisfaction levels of foster families.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The present study is descriptive and cross-sectional. Data were collected between July 1 and 30, 2020, from 138 volunteer foster parents living in Turkey.
Findings: The Need Satisfaction Scale was a significant difference was found by age group in the subscale and overall scale scores of the individuals participating in the study. Significant differences by families’ educational status were only present in the Competence subscale. Significant differences by age at which they became foster families were found in the Autonomy subscale and overall scores, and significant differences by age of fostered child were found in the Competence and overall scores (p<.05). Foster families were determined to have higher need satisfaction totals and subscale scores.
Highlights: A healthy upbringing that enables children to become socially adapted and productive individuals is only possible if they grow up in a loving and caring family environment. Foster family care is the best protection method that can ensure this. The present study concludes that the foster families studied here had high levels of psychological need satisfaction, had established desirable human relations, and were autonomous and competent.

Keywords

Foster care, Foster family, Need satisfaction

Ethical Statement

The study was carried out according to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The participants were informed about the purpose of the study, and their informed consent was obtained before data collection. Ethical approval for the study was given by the Pamukkale University Ethics Committee (approval date and ref number June 25, 2020 / 60116787-020/37913).

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