Caregiver State of Mind and Role Performing of Counselors in Foster Homes

Abstract

Nowadays, Thailand is facing a problem in orphan care. There are huge numbers of children living in foster homes with lower numbers of child caregivers.  As researchers reviewed the literatures, researchers found that there were many reasons that caused this career to have a high turnover rate. This study was conducted to explore caregivers’ experiences and perceptions of their work in foster homes. The study provided information how caregivers feel about their career and how they act as counselors at work. The researcher used a qualitative research method to explain the phenomenon. In-depth Interviewing and observation are also used as methods to obtain information. As the Person-Centered Theory and the Theory of Needs are humanistic counseling models, in that these theories that examines the healthy functioning of human being, mode of living and life goals, researchers can use such theories to explain the daily lives of caregivers and how they can act as a counselor for their colleagues. The researcher used open-ended questions in interviews with six child caregivers of different ages. The results indicate that most child caregivers typically acted as a counselor when colleagues had work and family problems. They always shared their experiences with their colleagues to make them feel better as they faced the same problems. The study also found that child caregivers were proud to be parents to their children. They mentioned having a low income, but they still wanted to work full time. The researcher suggested the need for mind training with humanistic counseling to strengthen the capacity of caregivers to provide effective care for orphans and to develop the standard of living of caregivers.



Author Information
Papatcha Klamcharoen, Srinakharinwiroj University, Thailand
Ungsinun Intarakamhang, Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Ujsara Prasertsin, Educational and Psychological Test Bureau, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

Paper Information
Conference: ACP2017
Stream: Qualitative/Quantitative Research in any other area of Psychology

This paper is part of the ACP2017 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon