It is to be noted that the cultural differences between the biological and foster parents can have a definite (but limited) effect on the child’s psyche. Since, the degree of adult-infant connection differs from one culture to the other; the transition should be handled with necessary understanding. For example, while parents wheel their babies in the western world, parental styles in Asia show parents carrying their babies to their backs or hips. This is not just a choice of convenience, for the “body contact” ensured by the Asian method helps strengthen the baby’s sense of security. So what is called for is the application of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy alongside cultural considerations as shown above (Weidman & Shell, 2005).
In conclusion, it could be asserted that foster parents can successfully integrate themselves into the void left by the biological parents, albeit with the assistance of a trained psychotherapist. Through the implementation of Dyadic Psychotherapeutic techniques, the therapist can re-inculcate in the child a sense of secure attachment with its foster parents. In doing so, the child achieves a state of contingent and collaborative communication with its new caretakers. This should come as good news for children who have gone through traumatic experiences in their early years. A successful course of Dyadic therapy can help the child to develop an extended capability to tolerate stress. It also helps the child to self-regulate external and internal inputs.
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