title: Child behaviors as a moderator: Examining the relationship between foster parent supports, satisfaction, and intent to continue fostering.
abstract: Foster parents need access to supports and resources in order to be satisfied with their caregiving role and continue providing foster care services. However, they often experience multiple demands in their role as a substitute caregiver that could lead to stress. Child behaviors especially may be a significant factor when considering sources of strain and may be a potential risk factor for negative outcomes such as dissatisfaction or the decision to discontinue providing foster care. The purpose of this study was to examine whether child disruptive behaviors moderated or influenced the nature or strength of the relationship between foster parent supports and satisfaction as a caregiver as well as intent to continue fostering. The sample consisted of 155 licensed foster caregivers from across the United States. Child behaviors served as a significant moderator between some types of supports and satisfaction. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, USA.
authors.forename: Morgan E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Cooley
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University, USA.
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Farineau
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Child Science, Florida State University, USA.
authors.forename: Ann K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mullis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Child behaviors; Child welfare; Foster care; Foster caregiver; Foster parent; Internalizing and externalizing