Date of Conferral

8-27-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Leann Stadtlander

Abstract

There are 438,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States; almost 46,000 are aged 16 or older, and over 20,000 “age out” of many child welfare services between ages 18 and 20 every year. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experience of foster youth growing up in a spiritual foster home (incorporating religious belief, practice, higher power, Bible study, or youth groups) and aging out of the system through the lens of faith-based theory. This study had a sample size of eight participants, ages 18 to 25, who transitioned out of the foster care system as adults. All data collected were analyzed using Neubauer et al.'s steps and coded to identify categories and themes. Results indicated that foster parents gave participants the opportunity to experience a spiritual place in life. Participants had a positive approach to life, and after aging out, they focused on good work ethics and determination for higher educational goals. Further, participants were able to experience their own spiritual practices, and they began to experience positive outcomes. Each participant learned to establish their personal attributes through prayer, their belief in God, inner strength, and mentorship support. These findings will bring awareness to what youth experience during the aging process, which will foster positive social change affecting the processes of transitioning into adulthood.

Download

Share

 
COinS