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Foster children’s cognitive functioning: A follow-up comparison study at 8 years of age

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  • Jacobsen, Heidi
  • Wentzel-Larsen, Tore
  • Bergsund, Hans Bugge

Abstract

Foster children are at risk for developmental challenges in several domains, such as cognitive functioning. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate cognitive functioning at age 8 years among 39 foster children (FC) compared to 36 children in a non-foster comparison group (NFC). Furthermore, to investigate possible predictors of early functioning on FC’s functioning at age 8 years, in addition to possible different developmental trajectories within and between the two groups. Results revealed that FC performed below the mean on all WISC-IV index scores as well as Full Scale Intelligent Quotient and General Ability Index, and their performances were significantly below those of the NFC. Although most Mullen scores at 2 and 3 years of age predicted functioning at age 8 years, receptive language at age 3 and Mullen Early Learning Composite at 2 as well as 3 years of age best predicted functioning at age 8 years. Finally, the foster children showed a small catch-up in cognitive functioning over the 6-years-period. The results add to previous research on foster children’s struggle with cognitive functioning and the longitudinal design highlights the need of early intervention to optimize foster children’s functioning in the long run.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacobsen, Heidi & Wentzel-Larsen, Tore & Bergsund, Hans Bugge, 2020. "Foster children’s cognitive functioning: A follow-up comparison study at 8 years of age," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:118:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920304564
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacobsen, Heidi & Bergsund, Hans Bugge & Wentzel-Larsen, Tore & Smith, Lars & Moe, Vibeke, 2020. "Foster children are at risk for developing problems in social-emotional functioning: A follow-up study at 8 years of age," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    2. Stine Lehmann & Nanna S. Kayed, 2018. "Children placed in alternate care in Norway: A review of mental health needs and current official measures to meet them," International Journal of Social Welfare, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(4), pages 364-371, October.
    3. Bruhn, Christina M. & Duval, Denise & Louderman, Richard, 2008. "Centralized assessment of early developmental delays in children in foster care: A program that works," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 536-545, May.
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