Emotional labor and economic attitude in foster family model in İzmir sample

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reveal the emotional labor and economic attitude dimension of the relative family foster home care model and the time limited foster home care model. Material and Method: Qualitative research method and in-depth interview technique were used in the research. Face-to-face interviews were held with 30 foster mothers in İzmir province. During the interviews, a semi-structured interview form, which was formed by scanning the associated literature, was used. Thematic analysis was performed by transferring the collected data to the MAXQDA text analysis program. Findings: In this study, where the foster care family model was examined with the dimensions of emotional labor and economic attitude, it was determined that as well as individual factors, the relationship between the foster family unit, the biological family and the child were effective in the emotional labor levels of foster mothers. As well as their emotional labor they spend in the process, the economic attitudes are also important in terms of the quality of care and the functionality of the foster care model. Result: Understanding correctly of the foster family service model by families enables them to make less emotional effort. Families who have difficulties in coping with negative emotions such as fear and anxiety experience more emotional labor and need psychological support. Emotional labor and economic attitude are very important for the functionality of the service and the well-being of the child. Keywords: foster care, emotional labor, economic attitude