The mediating role of parents' gender-based emotional beliefs and the parent-child relationship in peer relationships of preschool children

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of the parent-child relationship in the effect of parents' gender-based emotional beliefs on peer relationships in preschool children. The research was planned according to a correlational and descriptive survey model. The sample of the study included 436 parents and their children aged 48-72 months attending independent kindergartens and preschool classes affiliated with primary schools in the Yeşilyurt-Battalgazi districts of Malatya province during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data analysis was performed using a software package. According to the results of the study, a very weak positive correlation was found between parents' gender-based emotional beliefs and the parent-child relationship, while no significant relationship was found between these beliefs and peer relationships in the preschool period. A very weak positive correlation was determined between the parent-child relationship and peer relationships. Analyses based on demographic variables revealed that the child's age, the parent completing the form, the district of residence, the mother's employment status, the father's employment status, the mother's education level, the father's education level, and the mother's age influenced parents' gender-based emotional beliefs; the child's gender and the gender of the play peer influenced preschool children's peer relationships; and the child's gender, the district of residence, and the mother's age influenced the parent-child relationship. The study concluded that the parent-child relationship plays a mediating role between parents' gender-based emotional beliefs and preschool children's peer relationships. It is recommended that training programs aimed at strengthening parenting skills, supporting positive parent-child interaction, and focusing on communication be disseminated, and that guidance and psycho-educational activities aimed at increasing gender awareness be planned to include both mothers and fathers.