ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

This study aimed to examine the developmental trajectory of social support among foster children and explore the effects of this trajectory on perceived stigma and self-esteem. It also investigated these relationships by subtypes of social support(material, informational, and emotional support). Longitudinal data collected from 220 foster children in the Korean Foster Care Panel Study, from 2019 to 2021, were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. The latent growth curve modeling revealed significant individual differences in in itial levels of social support, with a gen eral upward tren d over time. While the baseline level of social support in 2019 was not a significant predictor of subsequent stigma or self-esteem in 2021, the rate of change in social support was significantly associated with both outcomes. Specifically, foster children who experienced a steeper increase in social support over time exhibited lower levels of stigma and higher levels of self-esteem in 2021. Furthermore, latent growth curve modeling for subtypes of social support revealed that emotional support significantly increased as children grew older, with both the initial level and rate of change in emotional support sign ifican tly predictin g stigma an d self-esteem in the third year. Based on these findings, this study highlights the importance of social support in interventions and support for foster children.

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