An investigation of mothers' early maladaptive schemas and their self-perceptions of parental roles (Explanatory mixed design)

The aim of this study is to examine mothers' early maladaptive schemas and self-perceptions of parental roles in terms of various variables and to investigate mothers' views on this issue in depth. The model of the research is explanatory mixed design from mixed method research. The population of the study is women with at least one child living in Malatya province. In the quantitative dimension of the study, the relational screening model was used to determine mothers' early maladaptive schemas and their self-perceptions of parental roles. In the qualitative dimension of the study, phenomenological research method was used. The data in the quantitative part of the study were collected with Young Schema Scale Short Form-3, Self-Perception of Parental Role Scale and Personal Information Form. The data in the qualitative part of the study were collected with a semi-structured interview form. In the quantitative part of the study, 484 mothers and in the qualitative part, 32 mothers were studied. In the quantitative data of the study, t-Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance ANOVA and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used for those who met the normality criterion; Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal Wallis-H Test and Spearman Rank Differences Correlation were used for those who did not meet the normality criterion. Content analysis method was used in the qualitative data of the study. In the analysis of the quantitative data of the study, it was found that mothers' early maladaptive schemas differed according to age, age of first-time motherhood, and education level. It was found that there was a relationship between mothers' self-perceptions of parental roles and the age of becoming a mother for the first time; self-perceptions of parental roles differed according to their education level. It was found that there was a positive relationship between mothers' early maladaptive schemas and their self-perceptions of parental roles. Three themes were identified in the analysis of the qualitative data of the study: Motherhood as a concept, motherhood processes and perceptions of childhood. Supportive findings were found in the literature regarding the quantitative and qualitative findings of the study. In line with the results of the research, suggestions were made to the field workers, related institutions and organisations, and researchers.