Internal conversations, self-reliance and social support in emerging adults transitioning from out-of-home care: An interpretative phenomenological study

Abstract

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care frequently have a history of maltreatment and multiple psychosocial challenges. ‘Survivalist self-reliance’ – thought to involve social disconnection from others, and reluctance to seek support – provides one coping strategy. However, little is known about the self-reliant young person’s own reflexive interpretations of social relationships and support during transition. This qualitative study addresses the question: In the context of transitioning from out-of-home care, what reflexive meanings do ‘avowedly’ self-reliant individuals attribute to current social support and social relationships? Participants were four avowedly self-reliant young adults in transition from care, each with a history of maltreatment and multiple adversities. In this secondary analysis, data were from semi-structured interviews utilizing Margaret Archer’s internal conversations interview framework. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three thematic contexts were identified in which social support was salient: (a) current thoughts and active memories of both the birth family and foster families; (b) the importance of socializing; and (c) perceptions of formal services. There was evidence of cognitive reappraisal (a known amenable resilience factor) and selective engagement with social support, despite the strong overall stance of self-reliance. The findings suggest a more nuanced approach to our understanding of ‘survivalist self-reliance’.

‘I make a lot of the choices myself—I think I've taught myself that through the imbalance of support’: The internal conversations, reflexivity and post‐school educational achievement of care‐experienced young people

“…Aspects of Nicole's internal conversation and educational commitment resonated strongly with Archer's description of autonomous reflexivity but could also be understood more as a learned and necessary self‐reliance (Hung & Appleton, 2016). Her desire for, and appreciation of, external support could align with Baker's (2019) finding that young people may utilise different modes in different contexts or support Appleton et al's (2021) suggestion that some self‐reliant young people engage in formal social support. Unlike the participants in Hung and Appleton's research, Nicole was able to form effective longer‐term plans and she did not appear to utilise different modes in different contexts.…”

“…However this situation appeared to be temporary as at the point of interview she was able to plan in the longer term and gave clear evidence of persevering with the education course she was studying. In line with Appleton et al's (2021) finding that self‐reliant young people transitioning out of care may draw on the informal support of friends, Kate described a willingness to share problems with other friends who had also experienced the care system:…”

“…At the time of his interview, Kai felt unable to maintain relationships with his peers, which bears some similarity to Caroline's autonomous desire to preference study over friendships. Their accounts provide some challenge to Appleton's (2021) finding that self‐reliant young people in care may enjoy the benefits of informal social support. It is interesting to note that while Kai detached himself from peer friendships he sought time and conversations with his teachers.…”

“…Their accounts provide some challenge to Appleton's (2021) finding that self-reliant young people in care may enjoy the benefits of informal social support. It is interesting to note that while Kai detached himself from peer friendships he sought time and conversations with his teachers.…”

What Matters and Who Matters to Young People Leaving Care

“…8 Archer, 2003. 9 Hung and Appleton, 2016;Appleton et al, 2021; see Box 1.3 in this book. 10 Box 1.1.…”