Using the Possible Me Tree Model to Identify Resilience Enabling Relationships for Young People Exiting Residential Care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/10783Keywords:
care leavers, possible me tree model, possible selves, phenomenological design, relationships, resilienceAbstract
The importance of relationships for young people exiting residential care is noted extensively in the care-leaving literature. Helpful and supportive relationships cushion care leavers as they exit the statutory system and provide a network of supports that may develop resilience, facilitate their journeys into independence, and contribute towards better outcomes for young people who have experienced care. However, the available literature suggests that social workers are not skilled at identifying relationships that young people in care consider to be important. This article draws on a qualitative study conducted in four Child and Youth Care Centres in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological design. Twelve participants were interviewed using the possible me tree model, which requires participants to draw a tree with three aspects of their future selves. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule which included relationship specific questions. The young people identified relationships with their care workers, relatives, sports coach/es, and partner and partner’s family as significant. From this it may be suggested that the possible me tree may be used to identify relationships that young people regard as important, and which may serve as resilience enablers. It is recommended that more studies using this approach, which include a longitudinal component, would add to this initial study.
Metrics
References
Albertson, K. M., M. A. Moreno, M. M. Garrison, Y. N. Evans, and K. R. Ahrens. 2018. “Impacts of Media on Sexual Behaviour and Relationships among Youth in Foster Care.” Child and Family Social Work 23 (1): 88–96. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12387 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12387
Alessi, L., R. Munford, J. Sanders, W. Johnston, and R. Ballantyne. 2018. “Young People’s Relationships: Opportunities and Challenges. Technical Report 29.” The Youth Transitions Study New Zealand: Whaiā to huanui kia toa. Palmerston North: Massey University.
Bond, S. J. 2010. “Adult Adjustment and Independent Functioning of Individuals Raised in a Children’s Home.” Master’s diss., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.
Bond, S. J. 2017. “The Development of Possible Selves and Resilience in Youth Transitioning out of Care.” PhD diss., University of Johannesburg.
Bond, S. J. 2018. “Care-Leaving in South Africa: An International and Social Justice Perspective.” Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy 34 (1): 76–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/21699763.2017.1413994 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21699763.2017.1413994
Bond, S. J. 2020. “Care Leavers’ and Their Care Workers’ Views of Preparation and Aftercare Services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.” Emerging Adulthood 8 (1): 26–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818801106 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818801106
Bond, S. J., and A. D. van Breda. 2018. “Interaction between Possible Selves and the Resilience of Care-Leavers in South Africa.” Children and Youth Services Review 94: 88–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.09.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.09.014
Braun, V., and V. Clarke. 2006. “Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology.” Qualitative Research in Psychology 3 (2): 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Brown, R., H. Alderson, E. Kaner, R. McGovern, and R. Lingam. 2019. “‘There Are Carers, and Then There Are Carers Who Actually Care’; Conceptualizations of Care among Looked After Children and Care Leavers, Social Workers and Carers.” Child Abuse and Neglect 92: 219–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.03.018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.03.018
Chisale, S. S. 2018. “Ubuntu as Care: Deconstructing the Gendered Ubuntu.” Verbum et Ecclesia 39 (1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v39i1.1790 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v39i1.1790
Creswell, J. W. 2007. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five Approaches. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Daly, F. 2012. “What Do Young People Need When They Leave Care? Views of Care-Leavers and Aftercare Workers in North Dublin.” Child Care in Practice 18 (4): 309–324. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2012.713852 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2012.713852
Dickens, L. 2018. “One Year Outcomes of Youth Exiting a Residential Care Facility in South Africa.” Child and Family Social Work 23 (4): 558–565. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12411 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12411
Driscoll, J. 2013. “Supporting Care Leavers to Fulfil Their Educational Aspirations: Resilience, Relationships and Resistance to Help.” Children and Society 27 (2): 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2011.00388.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2011.00388.x
France, A. 2004. “Young People.” In Doing Research with Children and Young People, edited by E. Fraser, V. Lewis, S. Ding, M. Kellet and C. Robinson, 175–190. London: SAGE.
Gilligan, R., and L. Arnau-Sabatés. 2017. “The Role of Carers in Supporting the Progress of Care Leavers in the World of Work.” Child and Family Social Work 22 (2): 792–800. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12297 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12297
Haley, J. F., and J. Bradbury. 2014. “Child-Headed Households under Watchful Adult Eyes: Support or Surveillance?” Childhood 22 (3): 394–408. https://doi.org/10.1177/0907568214548282 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0907568214548282
Hesselink, A., and N. B. Bougard. 2020. “Risk Factors Associated with Youth Gang Involvement: An Exploratory Criminological Case Study Analysis.” Journal of Psychology in Africa 30 (5): 459–465. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2020.1821314 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2020.1821314
Hock, M. F., D. D. Deshler, and J. B. Schumaker. 2006. “Enhancing Student Motivation through the Pursuit of Possible Selves.” In Possible Selves: Theory, Research and Application, edited by C. Dunkel and J. Kerpelman, 205–221. New York: Nova Science.
Hoyle, R. H., and M. R. Sherrill. 2006. “Future Orientation in the Self-System: Possible Selves, Self-Regulation, and Behavior.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 74 (6): 1673–1696. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2006.00424.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2006.00424.x
Jamieson, L. 2017. “Children and Young People’s Right to Participate in Residential Care in South Africa.” International Journal of Human Rights 21 (1): 89–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2016.1248126 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2016.1248126
Janis, I. B., H. B. Veague, and E. Driver-Linn. 2006. “Possible Selves and Borderline Personality Disorder.” Journal of Clinical Psychology 62 (3): 387–394. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20230 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20230
Mamelani Projects. 2013. Transitional Support: The Experiences and Challenges Facing Youth Transitioning Out of State Care in the Western Cape. Cape Town: Mamelani Projects. https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/Transitional%20Support-The%20experiences%20and%20challenges%20facing%20youth%20transitioning%20out%20of%20state%20care%20in%20the%20Western%20Cape.pdf
Marion, É., V. Paulsen, and M. Goyette. 2017. “Relationships Matter: Understanding the Role and Impact of Social Networks at the Edge of Transition to Adulthood from Care.” Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 34 (6): 573–582. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-017-0494-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-017-0494-4
Markus, H. R., and P. Nurius. 1986. “Possible Selves.” American Psychologist 41 (9): 954–969. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.41.9.954 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.41.9.954
Mosoma, Z., and G. Spies. 2016. “Social Workers’ Experiences with the South African Policy Manual of Family Preservation Services.” The Social Work Practitioner/Researcher 28 (2): 188–202. https://doi.org/10.25159/2415-5829/1480 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25159/2415-5829/1480
Moyo, O. T. 2016. “Navigating My Journey towards Learning Ubuntu – A Way of Decolonizing Myself.” Southern African Reflections on Social Work and Social Justice 22 (3): 74–81. https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/download/1553/1367/4890
Mturi, A. J. 2012. “Child-Headed Households in South Africa: What We Know and What We Don’t Know.” Development Southern Africa 29 (3): 506–516. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2012.706043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2012.706043
Nduna, M., and R. Jewkes. 2012. “Disempowerment and Psychological Distress in the Lives of Young People in Eastern Cape, South Africa.” Journal of Child and Family Studies 21 (6): 1018–1027. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9564-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9564-y
Oyserman, D., D. Bybee, and K. Terry. 2006. “Possible Selves and Academic Outcomes: How and When Possible Selves Impel Action.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 91 (1): 188–204. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.91.1.188 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.91.1.188
Oyserman, D., and H. R. Markus. 1990. “Possible Selves and Delinquency.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 59 (1): 112–125. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.59.1.112 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.59.1.112
Peltzer, K., and N. Phashwana-Mafuya. 2018. “Drug Use among Youth and Adults in a Population-Based Survey in South Africa.” South African Journal of Psychiatry 24 (10): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v24i0.1139 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v24i0.1139
Pinkerton, J., and P. Dolan. 2007. “Family Support, Social Capital, Resilience and Adolescent Coping.” Child and Family Social Work 12 (3): 219–228. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2007.00497.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2007.00497.x
RSA (Republic of South Africa). 1997. “White Paper for Social Welfare.” https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/whitepaperonsocialwelfare0.pdf
RSA (Republic of South Africa). 2005. “Children’s Act 38 of 2005.” https://www.gov.za/documents/childrens-act#:~:text=to%20prohibit%20child%20abduction%20and,provide%20for%20matters%20connected%20therewith
RSA (Republic of South Africa). 2007. “Children’s Amendment Act 41 of 2007.” https://www.gov.za/documents/childrens-amendment-act#:~:text=to%20provide%20for%20children%20in,offences%20relating%20to%20children%3B%20and
RSA (Republic of South Africa). 2012. “National Plan of Action for Children in South Africa: 2012–2017.” https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/media/1301/file/ZAF-national-plan-of-action-for-children-in-South-Africa-2012-2017.pdf
RSA (Republic of South Africa). 2021. “Revised White Paper on Families in South Africa.” https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202107/44799gon586t.pdf
Shaw, C., L-M. Brady, and C. Davey. 2011. Guidelines for Research with Children and Young People. London: NCB Research Centre. https://info.lse.ac.uk/staff/divisions/research-and-innovation/research/Assets/Documents/PDF/NCB-guidelinesCYP-2011.pdf
Shaw, M., M. Steyn, and E. Simeon. 2020. “The Need for Preparing Youth Ageing Out of Foster Care for Independent Living in South Africa.” Children and Youth Services Review 109: a104681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104681 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104681
Shenton, A. K. 2004. “Strategies for Ensuring Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research.” Education for Information 22 (2): 63–75. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-2004-22201
Stats SA (Statistics South Africa). 2017. “Quarterly Labour Force Study – QLFS Q1: 2017.” Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=9960
Stein, M. 2008. “Resilience and Young People Leaving Care.” Child Care in Practice 14 (1): 35–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575270701733682 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13575270701733682
Strydom, M. 2014a. “Family Preservation Services: Types of Services Rendered by Social Workers to At-Risk Families.” Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk 48 (4): 435–455. https://doi.org/10.15270/48-4-26 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15270/48-4-26
Strydom, M. 2014b. “The Implementation of Family Preservation Services: Perspectives of Social Workers at NGOs.” Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk 46 (2): 192–208. https://doi.org/10.15270/46-2-173 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15270/46-2-173
Sulimani-Aidan, Y. 2015. “Do They Get What They Expect?: The Connection between Young Adults’ Future Expectations before Leaving Care and Outcomes After Leaving Care.” Children and Youth Services Review 55: 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.06.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.06.006
Sulimani-Aidan, Y. 2016a. “Future Expectations as a Source of Resilience among Young People Leaving Care.” British Journal of Social Work 47 (4): 1111–1127. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcw077 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcw077
Sulimani-Aidan, Y. 2016b. “In between Formal and Informal: Staff and Youth Relationships in Care and after Leaving Care.” Children and Youth Services Review 67: 43–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.05.025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.05.025
Sulimani-Aidan, Y. 2017a. “‘She Was Like a Mother and a Father to Me’: Searching for the Ideal Mentor for Youth in Care.” Child and Family Social Work 22 (2): 862–870. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12306 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12306
Sulimani-Aidan, Y. 2017b. “To Dream the Impossible Dream: Care Leavers’ Challenges and Barriers in Pursuing Their Future Expectations and Goals.” Children and Youth Services Review 81: 332–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.08.025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.08.025
Sulimani-Aidan, Y. 2018. “Assets and Pathways in Achieving Future Goals of Residential Care Alumni.” Children and Youth Services Review 89: 71–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.04.0231 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.04.023
Sulimani-Aidan, Y., R. Benbenishty, T. Dinisman, and A. Zeira. 2013. “Care Leavers in Israel: What Contributes to Better Adjustment to Life after Care?” Journal of Social Service Research 39 (5): 704–718. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2013.834283 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2013.834283
Sulimani-Aidan, Y., and B. Rami. 2011. “Future Expectations of Adolescents in Residential Care in Israel.” Children and Youth Services Review 33 (7): 1134–1141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.02.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.02.006
Swan, M., S. Holt, and G. Kirwan. 2018. “‘Who Do I Turn to if Something Really Bad Happens?’ Key Working and Relationship-Based Practice in Residential Child Care.” Journal of Social Work Practice 32 (4): 447–461. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2018.1503161 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2018.1503161
Tanur, C. 2012. “Project Lungisela: Supporting Young People Leaving State Care in South Africa.” Child Care in Practice 18 (4): 325–340. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2012.713851 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2012.713851
Teer, P. 2021. “The Role of Informal Networks in the Lives of Young People Transitioning from Care: A Review of the Literature.” Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care 20 (1): 7–27. https://doi.org/10.17868/strath.00084171
Theron, L. C., and A. Theron. 2013. “Positive Adjustment to Poverty: How Family Communities Encourage Resilience in Traditional African Contexts.” Culture and Psychology 19 (3): 391–413. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354067X13489318 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1354067X13489318
Tshitenge, S. T., K. Nlisi, V. Setlhare, and R. Ogundipe. 2018. “Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Healthcare Providers Regarding Contraceptive Use in Adolescence in Mahalapye, Botswana.” South African Family Practice 60 (6): 181–186. https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2018.1501239 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2018.1501239
Van Breda, A. D. 2013. “Youth at the Crossroads – Transitioning Out of the Care of Girls and Boys Town, South Africa.” Relational Child and Youth Care Practice 26 (4): 57–63. https://www.academia.edu/4724167
Van Breda, A. D. 2022. “The Contribution of Supportive Relationships to Care-Leaving Outcomes: A Longitudinal Resilience Study in South Africa.” Child Care in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2022.2037516 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2022.2037516
Van Dijk, D., and F. van Driel. 2012. “Questioning the Use-Value of Social Relationships: Care and Support of Youths affected by HIV in Child-Headed Households in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.” African Journal of AIDS Research 11 (3): 283–293. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2012.734990 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2012.734990
Wade, J. 2008. “The Ties That Bind: Support from Birth Families and Substitute Families for Young People Leaving Care.” British Journal of Social Work 38 (1): 39–54. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcl342 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcl342
World Bank. 2018. “World Development Indicators: Unemployment, Youth Total (% of Labouor Force Aged 15–24 Years) (Modeled ILO Estimates).” Accessed May 29, 2023. http://databank.worldbank.org/data//reports.aspx?source=2&country=&series=SL.UEM.1524.ZS&period=#
Zimmerman, M. A., S. A. Stoddard, A. B. Eisman, C. H. Caldwell, S. M. Aiyer, and A. Miller. 2013. “Adolescent Resilience: Promotive Factors That Inform Prevention.” Child Development Perspectives 7 (4): 215–220. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12042 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12042
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Accepted 2023-05-09
Published 2023-09-21
