Socio-Psychological Factors and Parents' Attitudes toward Fostering Children in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the extent to which socio-psychological factors predict parents’ attitude toward fostering children in AkwaIbom State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two research questions and two null hypotheses were raised and formulated, respectively to guide the study. This study adopted a correlational research design. The correlational design was considered appropriate because it allows the researcher to examine the statistical relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. The population of the study comprised all parents across selected communities in AkwaIbom State, while the sample was drawn using a multistage sampling technique involving stratified and simple random procedures to ensure fair representation of urban and rural areas. A structured questionnaire titled "Socio-Psychological Factors and Fostering Attitude Questionnaire (SPFAQ)" was developed and validated for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielding a reliability coefficient above 0.70, indicating high internal consistency. Data collected were analyzed using simple linear regression to answer research questions and to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.The findings of the study revealed that family communication pattern and disciplinary beliefs significantly predict parents’ attitude toward fostering children in AkwaIbom State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was concluded that both family communication pattern and disciplinary beliefs significantly influence parents' willingness and disposition towards fostering. Parents who maintain open, respectful, and supportive communication within their families tend to show a more positive attitude toward accepting and nurturing foster children.Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that government agencies and social welfare organizations should organize regular sensitization workshops and seminars to educate parents on the importance of effective family communication pattern and disciplinary beliefs.