Date of Conferral
5-26-2025
Date of Award
May 2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Tracy Marsh
Abstract
Children who have a history of maltreatment, like those placed in foster care, are at a significantly higher risk for developing an insecure attachment style, which may be correlated with various problems in adulthood, including adverse relationship outcomes, poor job satisfaction, low self-esteem, mood, and personality disorders. Prior research suggests a correlation between the attachment style of a foster child and specific foster care factors, including the type of placement, reason for placement, number of placements, age of the child at placement, and gender of the child. However, no research exists to examine how these factors might significantly impact the child's later adult intimate attachment style and subsequent adult relationship outcomes. A quantitative research design with a multiple linear regression approach, employing the attachment theory research of Bowlby and Ainsworth, as well as research on adult attachment by Hazan and Shaver, was used to explore the potential impact of specific foster care factors on the attachment-related anxiety and avoidance of adult intimate relationships among foster care alumni. The findings of the study support the idea that foster care factors, such as abuse and unknown reasons for placement and gender, play a significant role in shaping attachment outcomes in adulthood. Further, the findings also reinforce the importance of stable, supportive relationships, both during and after foster care, while also highlighting the importance of integrating trauma-informed care, gender-sensitive approaches, and long-term relationship-building into foster care services to promote healthy emotional and relational attachment development.
Recommended Citation
Macklin, LaTasha, "The Impact of Specific Foster Care Placement Factors on Attachment-Related Anxiety and Avoidance in the Adult Intimate Relationships of Foster Care Alumni" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17871.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17871
