Date of Award

Fall 12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication & Theatre Arts

Program/Concentration

Lifespan and Digital Communication

Committee Director

Theodore Gournelos

Committee Member

Thomas Socha

Committee Member

Gary Beck

Abstract

As of 2024, there are over 328,000 children in foster care in the United States (AFCARS, 2024), many of whom experience disrupted attachments and trauma that hinder their ability to form healthy relationships. Drawing from attachment theory, this study explores how outdoor recreational activities can facilitate bonding between foster parents and their foster children. Using a mixed method approach this explorative research project consisted of two phases: a pilot study at the Virginia zoo involving foster families participating in a cooperative outdoor activity and completing post event surveys, and semi-structured interviews with foster parents to examine lived experiences of bonding and connection. Although phase one had a limited sample size (n=7), results showed outdoor recreation supports communication, trust, and shared enjoyment between caregivers and children. The interviews (n=8) in phase two revealed seven overarching themes: trust and communication, intentional and flexible parenting, quality time, everyday routines and traditions, child-centered bonding approaches, and the value of community support. Together these findings highlight that while outdoor experiences can strengthen caregiver-child relationships, successful bonding depends on individualized, consistent, and trauma-informed interactions.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/d8wc-k783

ISBN

9798276040776

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