The term fictive kin is used to describe social ties that are based on neither blood ties, nor by marriage. Fictive kin are granted many of the same rights as family members and are expected to participate in the roles of the extended family. Research on fictive kin relationships often examines the African-American community and focuses on the effects of building strong social bonds outside the family. The constructive role fictive kin play in a person’s life suggests that these relationships serve as an important foundation in engaging in helping behavior. Helping behavior refers to actions intended to benefit another and is a characteristic of possessing a positive attributional style. Research suggests that development of attributional style originates in experiences of trust or lack of trust. This poster presentation will discuss how social support provided by fictive kin relationships can impact the development of one’s attributional style in a positive manner. Implications for identifying the benefits of fictive kin relationships will promote understanding and acceptance of these relationships in society
