The influence of interaction mechanisms on the life cycle of a substitute family

Introduction. This article contributes to the deepening of theoretical and practical knowledge on the problem of forming the interaction of substitute family members. The essence and content of the basic concept are considered, which contributes to an in-depth understanding of the problems of a substitute family. Special attention is paid to the problems of interaction between members of a substitute family, in the process of which the content and style of communication play a key role in the socialization of an adopted child. Attention is focused on studying the influence of interaction mechanisms on the life cycle of a substitute family. It is shown that despite the fact that the interaction of members of the substitute family is based on the universal laws of social relations, it is simultaneously characterized by pronounced features that determine the difficulties of the foster child's interaction with the social world. The relevance of this study is related to the direct impact of the content and style of interaction on the life cycle of a substitute family and the process of socialization of an adopted child.
Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the research includes a theoretical component (analysis of scientific literature, synthesis of concepts, a systematic approach to information processing) and an empirical component (monitoring the activities of families raising foster children). The theoretical basis of the study was conceptual approaches to the study of the functioning of substitute families, the processes of socialization and maladaptation of orphaned children, and the peculiarities of intra-family interaction in a substitute family.
Results. An analysis of the research results shows that the most difficult stage in the life of a substitute family is the awareness and acceptance by members of the substitute family of their new social role. The key difficulties of substitute families at various stages of the life cycle of a substitute family are due to the dual nature of the relationships that are being formed under the influence of learned behavioral patterns of foster children and substitute parents using the parenting style that developed before the foster child appeared in the family. Such duality creates unpredictable crisis situations affecting all family members and causing painful reactions in both children and adults. Successful interaction in a substitute family leads to the adaptation of the child, his social integration and the building of positive relationships. While the violation of these processes causes social maladaptation, behavioral problems and communication disorders, up to the breakdown of family relationships.
Discussion and conclusions. Understanding human behavior in society is based on the mechanisms of social interaction. The author emphasizes that the analysis of these mechanisms contributes to a more complete understanding of the processes of forming interpersonal relationships in surrogate families and the causes of psychological barriers among foster children inside and outside the family. The educational space of a substitute family, while obeying general social laws, nevertheless has specific characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of family relations.

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