The stigma of being a long-term foster carer

Publisher:
Sage Publications, Inc.
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Citation:
Blythe Stacy et al. 2011, 'The stigma of being a long-term foster carer', Sage Publications, Inc., vol. November, no. Online, pp. 1-27.
Issue Date:
2011
Filename Description Size
Thumbnail2010006250OK.pdf328.68 kB
Adobe PDF
Full metadata record
Stigma is a powerful social phenomenon with insidious health implications. Understanding stigma as it applies to various populations is imperative for nurses as it enables nurses to enhance individual patient care and nurses are well positioned to influence both social and health care policies which may exacerbate the experience of stigma. This article is a report of a study to explore the experiences of women who provide long-term foster care. Interviews were conducted with 20 women who provided long-term foster care in Australia. Data were coded according to the components of stigma described by Link and Phelan (2001). Findings reveal participants rejected the label of foster carer to avoid the negative stereotype. When unable to conceal their foster carer label, participants experienced social isolation and status loss. Moreover, participants felt marginalized and disempowered within the governing systems.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: