Date of Graduation

5-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Communication

Advisor/Mentor

Amason, Patricia

Committee Member

Warren, Ron

Second Committee Member

Walker, Kasey L.

Keywords

Foster Parent; Marital Quality; Social Support

Abstract

This study explores the phenomena of foster parents' marital relationships and the emotional stress felt by each spouse. Results revealed a positive correlation between marital quality and perceived spousal support and a negative correlation between either marital quality or perceived spousal support and emotional stress associated with disciplining the foster child. Analyses also showed that emotional stress associated with being a foster parent positively correlated with emotional stress associated with both the child's past and the possibility of the child being moved. These results underscore the importance of spousal communication, marital quality, and perceived spousal support as a stress reducer for foster parents.

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