Positive self-perspective concept in adolescents raised in foster families: development conditions

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the study of formation of self-concept of adolescents from foster families is due to the need to provide targeted assistance and support to foster children who have great difficulties in the formation of a positive self-concept as the basis for their social adaptation and harmonious personal development. In modern psycho-pedagogical science and practice the content-methodological aspects of formation of positive self-concept of adolescents brought up in foster families are insufficiently developed. The aim of the study was to substantiate through the experiment the context and conditions fostering the buildup of a positive self-perspective concept in foster teenagers. Materials and methods. As part of the psychological and pedagogical experiment, there was developed a number of psychological and pedagogical practices structured in a consistent version, aimed at the fostering an affirmative self-perspective concept of teenagers brought up in the foster families. The study applied methods for assessing the elements of the self-concept specific to adopted adolescents: diagnostics of interpersonal relations (T. Leary), the scale "I-concepts" (E. Pierce, D. Harris), diagnostics of self-esteem according to the method of Dembo-Rubinstein revised by A.M. Prikhozhan. 32 adolescents and 24 parents representing foster families partook in the study. Research results. As a result of the implementation of the developed psychological and pedagogical conditions for the formation of a positive self-concept, there were identified statistically significant self-concepts (cognitive, emotional, evaluative and behavioral) in adolescents brought up in foster families. Adopted adolescents began to demonstrate predominant desire to harmonize relations with others and establish collaborative relationships, reduce conformal attitudes and show self-confidence (“Friendly”, p≤0.05; “Altruistic”, p≤0.05 and “Authoritarian”, p≤0.05); they set more realistic goals (in most charts, the difference between the levels of self-esteem and demands is within the range between 20 to 22 points), have an optimistic vision of their capabilities (optimal high level: from 80 to 88 points); a more realistic attitude to life situations (71.9%), a sense of satisfaction with life (37.5%) and emotional well-being (50%), as well as a favorable position in the family (a shift in the average level of satisfaction from 37.5% to 62, 5% and at a high level – from 21.9% to 31.3%). Conclusion. In the present-day context the conditions for the successful development of self-awareness, selfactualization and acknowledging by a teenager of him- or herself are of particular importance in foster families. The formation of a positive self-concept is a complex and lengthy process. Positive results of the study can form the basis of psychological guidance and counseling for foster families.