1 research outputs found
Placement breakdown in foster care with children under-five: A psychoanalytic view of the caregiving relationship under stress
This study explores the interactional processes between a foster carer and a child, aged
under-five, who has experienced early abuse and neglect. Data was gathered from semistructured interviews with six foster carers, who had ultimately agreed for the child to
be removed from their care. The data was analysed using Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis. The proposal is that an understanding of psychoanalytic
concepts can bring insight to situations which were felt to be unbearable and beyond
understanding. The study suggests that knowledge about external reasons for placement
breakdown is not enough without a focus on internal factors, and shows how a
psychoanalytic perspective can elucidate the processes occurring between child, carer
and their family, and the wider system. The focus is on the meaning of behaviour, rather
than just descriptions of it, and the impact of the emotional experience of looking after
the children. The need for a reflective space and the use of reflective practice is
emphasised, as is training for all concerned