Defining Success: The Perspective of Emerging Adults with Foster Care Experience

<p>Youth with experience in the foster system are often more susceptible to negative outcomes in adulthood due to their high levels of cumulative risk. The present study sought out to re-define the concept of “success” from the perspective of emerging adults with experience in the foster care system and to identify patterns among the characteristics and behaviors of foster families that promote success as these young adults transition out of the foster care system and into adulthood. Participants most frequently defined “success” as achieving personal goals. Additionally, Support and Positive Identity were found to be the most influential Developmental Assets® promoted by family characteristics and behaviors. A greater awareness of the family factors emerging adults perceived to contribute to their success can be used to advise agencies, advocates, and parents, permitting them to be more intentional in promoting success and maximizing opportunities for successful development in foster youth.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Child and Family Studies

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Anderson, Brianna Lynne

Contributors dc:contributor

• Amanda Williams
• Claire Kimberly
• Pamela Rollins

• success
• foster care
• emerging adulthood
• development
• Family, Life Course, and Society

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/129

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-1135