Naslov
Identifying elements within the context of residential care in Malta that contribute to the well-being and resilience of looked after children and young people – field perspective.

Autori
Agius, Audrey

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Ocjenski radovi, doktorska disertacija

Mjesto
Malta

Datum
30.01

Godina
2023

Stranica
336

Mentor
Klarin, Mira

Ključne riječi
Field, Assessment, Resilience, Looked-after children, Therapeutic care-work.

Sažetak
This research study is based on the assumption that there is considerable potential for therapeutic intervention in the daily interactions of a residential facility for looked after children. A mixed methods design was adopted. The quantitative part of the study involved the administration of 4 assessment tools: the Conners CBRS, Boxall Profile, British Ability Scales, and the Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale. The results shed light on the profile of 30 service users indicating the prevalence of a number of difficulties: the rates of psychopathology and maladjustment are considerably higher when compared to the general population ; there is a high incidence of comorbidity ; significant difficulties in their development ; and a high incidence of learning difficulties. There is also evidence of positive exceptions across and within all the domains reflecting the heterogeneity of this population. On average this cohort of looked after children are mildly satisfied with their life. In the qualitative part of the study, semi- structured interviews were held with psychotherapists, social support workers and ex- service users, with the task to identify the main themes related to care provision and therapeutic input as emerging from the lived experience of the field. IPA was used to explore meaning making and personal experiences, as well as to investigate awareness of therapeutic potential in daily work. Findings conveyed 5 master themes and 22 superordinate themes. The results emerging from this study can be used to increase our knowledge of the risk and protective factors, as well as the field interactions in a residential care setting ; and through this insight promote a more therapeutic approach to improve practice, increase looked after children’s resilience and promote evidence-based practice.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA