Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Kelly Chermack
Abstract
Research regarding the experiences of adoptive parents in the Midwest has revealed feelings of social isolation. Further research is warranted focusing on social issues adoptive parents of reactive attachment disorder (RAD) youth experience in the South. This could serve as a comparison to the findings from research focused on the Midwest. There is a gap in the research and knowledge regarding the social issues adoptive parents of RAD youth experience in Arkansas. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the daily, lived experiences of adoptive parents of adolescents with RAD living in rural areas. Attachment theory was the foundation of attachment behavior, internal working models, and maternal sensitivity, while family systems theory was also signficant to the topic due to the study being conducted to give insight on how a child’s beahivor impacts the family system. Phenomenological, intensive interviews were conducted among six adoptive parents of children with RAD. Data were analyzed according to Heidegger’s phenomenology and Colaizzi’s method. Themes that emerged were focus on mothers living with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) lack of understanding of RAD, living with behaviors and symptoms, and social isolation. The study results support the need for mental health and social support services received by parents and give insight into the parents’ experiences to the professionals of the fields.
Recommended Citation
Geter, LaToya C., "Adoptive Parents are Socially Affected by the Behaviors of Adolescents with Reactive Attachment Disorder" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12987.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12987
