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ABSTRACT
Using a cross-sectional survey design, this study aims to explore secondary traumatic stress (STS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among foster parents. Forty-six foster parents completed the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and a number of items representing demographics, foster parent experiences, and help-seeking. Multiple regression results indicate that both STS and PTG were higher among those who reported religious/spiritual help-seeking. In addition, STS was significantly higher among foster parents who were young and White. These results have implications for the future study of these concepts, which may prove useful in supporting foster parent well-being.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Julie A. Steen
Julie A. Steen is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Central Florida.
Christina Bernhardt
Christina Bernhardt is a Research Associate in the Georgia Health Policy Center at the Georgia State University.