Date of Conferral

1-1-2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Amy Hakim

Abstract

Current research lacked information on the stress, coping, and adjustment of individuals transitioning to adulthood from foster care. Transitioning out of foster care when adulthood is reached can be challenging, resulting in mental and physical health problems, decline in overall wellbeing, and poor outcomes. Elevated stress can make coping and adjusting to social life more difficult. The purpose of this study was to explore former foster youths’ perspectives and experiences of stress and what coping strategies were effective as they adjusted to society. The transactional model of stress and coping served as the study’s framework. The research questions focused on the experiences of former foster youths’ transitions to adulthood, transition challenges that can diminish wellbeing, and coping with the stress of adjusting to adulthood. Data were collected from seven former foster youth through Zoom interviews, and NVivo software was used to help organize, categorize, and code data. Analysis of the data revealed four themes: foster care shapes transition to adulthood; stressors, barriers, and challenges associated with transitioning out of foster care system; resources for transitioning to adulthood; and coping with stress of transitioning from foster care to adulthood. Implications include the need to enhance support to better serve young foster care adults during the often-stressful transition to adulthood. Support should include facilitating independence and job-seeking skills. Implications for positive social change include societal and individual benefits from prosocial and life skills development in young adults from foster care as they transition to adulthood. Further research is recommended on identifying effective resources for transition.

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