The perception of family relations by the child as a factor of identity formation under the foster family conditions

Abstract

This article describes the features of family relations influence on forming of the identity of afoster child. The research has been carried out in foster families in Ukraine in years 2005 to 2014. It has been proven that the difficulties with forming an identity of achild are linked to the transfer from one family medium to another and could be solved by preservation of integrated role of important adult. The research carried out proves that the process of mastering the family links by foster children is connected to perceptive changes, for instance in the self understanding of nationality, belonging and territory of residence. The research revealed that in the perception of foster children, the social situation of their development manifestates itself as different of the control group. The foster children perceive the system of family relations as a hierarchical and strict. During the transfer to a foster family a child faces significant difficulties in understanding a complex family relations, that are perceived as chaotic with tendencies to align them with the previously habitual system.