Focus Group Audio Transcription.pdf

Background: There is existing literature on the mental health struggles of foster children, but less information about the mental health of foster parents. Very little has been studied regarding how foster care impacts a foster parent’s ability to participate in their leisure occupations. Objectives: This study aimed to explore foster parent perceptions of the impact fostering has on their mental health and leisure participation. Method: An audio-recorded focus group with seven (n=7) participants was conducted. The focus group transcript was coded, and codes were analyzed to create themes. Results: Five themes emerged: mental, physical, and emotional health, time and energy, change in routines, support, and new experiences Conclusion: Findings indicate that foster parents experience multiple barriers to participation in leisure occupations, including poor mental and physical health, exhaustion, different interests of the foster child, and time. <br>