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The kids and the carers: An exploration into wellbeing and identity formation for care experienced young people and those who support them.

Wilsher, Mark

Authors

Mark Wilsher



Contributors

Paul Walton
Supervisor

Abstract

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts: a systematic review of the literature, an empirical paper, and appendices. The thesis aims to explore the lived experiences of care experienced young people’s identity and the wellbeing of those who support care experienced young people in residential care placements.
Part One: Systematic Literature Review
This review brings together and examines the experiences of looked after children’s identity by drawing upon UK based literature between 2003 and 2022. A total of 10 studies were identified to be included in this review. A thematic synthesis identified two superordinate themes ‘Our identity starts before we become looked after’ and ‘Growing up as a looked after child’, each containing subordinate themes. Findings highlight some of the challenges experienced by looked after children that impact upon their sense of self. Conclusions and implications are discussed.
Part Two: Empirical Paper
The empirical study explores the experiences of wellbeing for residential support workers who care for looked after children in the UK. Nine residential support workers shared their experiences through semi-structured interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis indicated three core themes, the organisational culture, a lost sense of control and a sense of purpose. Findings highlight factors that both increase and decrease wellbeing for residential support workers and implications are discussed in terms of stakeholder initiatives to support residential care workers.

Citation

Wilsher, M. The kids and the carers: An exploration into wellbeing and identity formation for care experienced young people and those who support them. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4625467

Thesis Type Thesis
Deposit Date Apr 15, 2024
Keywords Clinical psychology
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4625467
Additional Information Faculty of Health Science
University of Hull
Award Date Mar 26, 2024