Perceptions of Becoming a Family to a Child

A Metaphor Study With Foster Families

Bibliographic Data

ID21638210
AuthorsIlknur Demirhan (0000-0002-6910-9018, Aksaray University, corresponding author), Bilge Öztürk (0000-0002-4982-3257, Aksaray University)
Year2026
Publication date2026-04-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Family Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1066-4807 • E-ISSN: 1552-3950
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10664807261438083
OpenAlexW7151520125
LanguageEN
References cited26

This study aims to reveal foster families’ perceptions of becoming a family to a child through metaphors. Based on a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 66 foster families between November 2023 and February 2024. A criterion sample was utilized to ascertain the participants, and the data obtained were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Foster families’ metaphors were categorized as “Family, Emotion, Effort, Completion, Protection.” These themes indicate positive perceptions of becoming a family to a child. In-depth interviews with participants revealed that factors such as desire to have a child, being affected by the earthquake, recommendations from foster families, and providing social benefits, were influential in the decision-making process to become a foster family. During the decision-making process, it was found that some participants received positive support from their surroundings, while others encountered warnings about the difficulties of the process. Furthermore, issues experienced with the child's biological family highlighted the necessity to protect the rights and privacy of foster families. In conclusion, community-based awareness campaigns and social service interventions are needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of foster care services. Future researchers may focus on social policies aimed at increasing the functionality and awareness of these services

Focus group · Foster care · Foster parents · Perception · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Child Welfare and Adoption · Family Support in Illness · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Social Work

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