Date of Award

6-2017

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Deirdre Lanesskog

Abstract

This study explored Master of Social Work students’ attitudes towards transracial adoptions (TRA). The literature suggests that when children of color are transracially adopted, they are often deprived of the opportunity to learn and express their birth culture, and to develop a strong sense of self. The researchers decided to survey this population because MSW students are future foster and adoptive professionals. As such, they will have the opportunity to directly influence macro policies around TRA and adoptive families in micro practice. The researchers utilized a quantitative self-administered survey, with thirty-three questions to ascertain the attitudes of a diverse pool of MSW students at Cal State San Bernardino. Eighty-eight students completed the online survey. The researchers used descriptive and inferential statistics, including a t-test and one-way ANOVA to analyze the survey data. MSW students possess positive attitudes towards transracial adoption. Female respondents held significantly more positive attitudes towards transracial adoption than male respondents. Similarly, Black, White, and Latino/a participants held more positive attitudes towards TRA; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of Native American participants in our sample. We did not find significant differences in attitudes based on participants’ age, parental status, or life experiences related to diversity. Our findings are limited as our sample may not generalize to all MSW students or to social workers in general. The study suggests that MSW students, who are future social workers, view TRA as a positive option for children in need of families. Therefore, we suggest that schools of social work continue to provide and to expand their curriculum related to TRA so that future social workers are prepared to meet the needs of parents and children in TRA families.

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