The effect of filial therapy on the attachment styles of preschool children

This study aimed to examine the effect of enhancing the parenting skills of mothers of preschool children (aged 4–6) with insecure attachment styles through Filial Therapy on the children's development of secure attachment. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group. It was conducted using a mixed-methods approach that combined both quantitative (experimental) and qualitative (phenomenological) data. Data were collected as pre-test and post-test from children using the Safe Place Scenarios Test, Draw a Family Test, and from their mothers using the Child-Parent Relationship Scale. Analysis of the data obtained from the experimental and control groups was done with parametric tests. The study included 8 mother-child pairs in the experimental group and 8 mother-child pairs in the control group. Following the Filial Therapy, it was found that 7 out of 8 children with insecure attachment styles in the experimental group developed a secure attachment style. Quantitative results indicated that, compared to the control group, children of mothers in the experimental group showed a significant positive change in attachment indicators. Qualitative data showed that mothers became aware of their communication problems, made progress in emotional regulation processes with their children, and improved their relational skills with them. Additionally, positive developments have been observed in the communication of mothers with more than one child with their other children. Based on the findings, several recommendations were offered for mental health professionals working with children and parents.