Examination of the relationship between dyadic adjustment andparental competence with the spouses of mothers with childrenaged 6-18

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between dyadic adjustment and parental competence with the spouses of mothers with children aged 6-18. Material and Method: The sample of this descriptive and correlational study consisted of 385 women who voluntarily participated in the research at Ordu University Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2024, and September 1, 2024. Data collection tools included the Personal Information Form, the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and the Parental Competence Scale for Mothers (PCSM). Descriptive statistical methods, Cronbach's Alpha reliability test, independent samples t-test, ANOVA test, Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test were used for data analysis. Correlation and regression analysis were performed. Results: It was determined that the average age of the participating mothers was 37.08±5.90 years, and their average age at first marriage was 21.91±3.71 years. Additionally, 82.6% of the mothers lived in a nuclear family structure. The average total score of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) was found to be 52.11±9.25. No significant relationship was found between the total RDAS score and age, age at first marriage, duration of marriage, child's age, or the number of children. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the total RDAS score based on income level, communication with the spouse, and sexual life satisfaction. The average total score of the Parental Competence Scale for Mothers (PCSM) was determined as 153.40±23.98. A statistically significant difference was found in the total PCSM score based on the spouse's occupation, communication with the spouse, and sexual life satisfaction (p<0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant, negative, and low-level correlation was found between the PCSM score and age, duration of marriage, and child's age. Lastly, a significant relationship was determined between the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Parental Competence Scale for Mothers (r=0.232). Conclusions: It was concluded that as mothers' marital harmony increased, their parental competence levels also increased. Therefore, it is recommended to provide training and conduct studies to enhance mothers' marital harmony and parental competence. Keywords: Child, marital harmony, mother, parental competence, nursing, woman.