Date of Award

12-1-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Nobuya Inagaki

Second Advisor

Dr.Armstrong Josh

Abstract

This thesis explored the question: What effect do familial communication practices and activities have on positive integration of a foster child into their adoptive family? The focus was on foster children adopted between the approximate ages of 3 and 17, as it has been shown they can have more difficulties than children adopted as infants (Barth & Miller, 2000). This research brings practical wisdom and empirically researched data to families, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and anyone who works with families in this challenging category. The research was based in the “I-Thou” interpersonal communication philosophy (Buber, 1923/1984) and utilized recommendations from Attachment Theory (Bowlby, 1969), Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977), and Family Communication Patterns Theory (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002) to research the practicality of theoretical recommendations through focus groups. Key important findings from focus groups were: integration is most helped by parents who communicate a shared social reality, responsive emotional support, and encourage academic and language skill development.

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