Experiencing Conflicts in Group Home Settings: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Adolescents

Adolescence is a particularly significant and vulnerable period for children living in residential care. Due to factors such as prior neglect or abuse, separation from their families, and multiple placements, many exhibit frustration-related behavior as a trauma response. However, we can gain much deeper insight into adolescent identity development by exploring the experiences underlying their frustration behaviors. This study examines the relationship between identity development, complex trauma, and frustration-related behavior through the lived experiences of conflicts among adolescents in residential care. Participants included 10 adolescents living in residential group homes in Hungary ranging in age from 15 to 17 years. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore adolescents’ experiences of their conflicts in group homes and school environments. Data were analyzed with the approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The analysis identified two Group Experiential Themes. The first key theme (a) “Conflicts represent an essential realm of self-protection” described participants’ subjective understanding of their coping during frustrating situations through six subthemes. The second key theme (b) “Conflicts provide opportunities for strengthening the Self” included six subthemes that outlined the main factors associated with the development of adaptive responses in tense intrapersonal processes and interpersonal interactions. The findings highlight the importance of helping adolescents develop a cohesive self-narrative that recognizes their self-protective strategies and personal strengths, while also addressing the ongoing distress stemming from unmet needs.