The effect of mother abuse potential and father-child relationship on problematic behaviors in preschool children

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential for maternal abuse among children aged 36-72 months attending preschool education and the effect of the father-child relationship on problematic behaviors. The sample of the study consists of 157 children (67 girls, 90 boys) who exhibit problematic behaviors and are enrolled in preschool education in the districts of Karesi and Altıeylül in the province of Balıkesir during the 2023-2024 academic year, along with their mothers, fathers, and teachers. The data collection tools used were the Preschool Behavioral Problems Screening Scale (Kanlıkılıçer, 2005) to identify the children's behavioral problems and the Child Abuse Awareness Scale (Pekdoğan, 2016) to determine mothers' awareness levels of child abuse, and the Child-Parent Relationship Scale – Father Form (Uzun ve Baran, 2015) to assess the level of relationship between fathers and children. According to the findings of the study, a positive and significant relationship was found between mothers' potential for abuse and the problematic behaviors exhibited by children. It was determined that problematic behaviors (e.g., aggressive-hostile behaviors, anxiety-worry, inattention, and hyperactivity) were observed more intensely in children of mothers with high abuse potential. On the other hand, a negative and significant relationship was found between the father-child relationship and children's problematic behaviors. It was observed that when the relationship with the father was warm, caring, and supportive, children's behavioral adjustment was stronger, whereas conflictual and indifferent father attitudes increased problematic behaviors. According to multiple regression analysis, when maternal abuse potential and father-child relationship were considered together, they explained 29.1% of children's problematic behaviors. This result indicates that the attitudes and approaches of both parents are decisive in children's social-emotional and behavioral development. The findings reveal that family interactions play a decisive role in children's behavioral development.