Psychologists at Nottingham Trent University were investigating secondary trauma among UK foster carers, caused by the impact of supporting vulnerable children who have experienced traumatic events.
But the research also found that the carers themselves have experienced trauma first hand in their caring role, known as "primary trauma", such as being harmed and threatened or from the threat of harm to their families.
Of the 187 carers surveyed, 76.5 per cent reported this form of primary trauma. This is markedly higher than the rate of 48 per cent reported in a study last year.
The Nottingham Trent University study suggests this primary trauma is linked to years of foster caring and has built up over time.
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The researchers also found there were high levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout after being exposed to the traumatic experiences of their foster children.
The report recommends better monitoring of primary trauma rates among foster carers. In addition, they should receive more information about STS and to ensure they can recognise when they need help.
Carers were asked what support they would like to see that is not currently available. Of those surveyed, 28 said that time off or respite from the role would help their wellbeing, 25 cited professional support, while 10 wanted access to therapy.
The most common ways carers are supporting their mental health include spending time with their family and exercising.
“Foster carers are increasingly in demand to offer a caring home to children and young people who have experienced the breakdown of their own home or who have been maltreated,” said report author and Nottingham Trent university researcher Kay Bridger.
“Our study showed that many foster carers remain motivated despite stress, but for this caring role to be maintained their wellbeing needs to be taken care of.
“It can be a stressful role for many reasons, including behavioural issues of the children, but there has been little consideration of STS as an additional factor.
“The role of foster carers is very different to other helping professionals because it is home based, and so they have much less ability to set boundaries about when the role affects them, unlike nurses or social workers for instance who can draw a line under their work somewhat more easily.”
