The relationship between emotional availability of the mother and behavior problems in the child
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relations between emotional availability of the mother during free play and behavioral problems of the child in early childhood. Participants included 30 mothers (mean age 31.67 years, SD=5.18) and their children (mean age 2.9 years, (SD=0.53). The research uses two scales of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and observations of emotional availability (Biringen 2000). Results revealed that heightened sensitivity and lack of intrusiveness on the part of the mother was related to a reduction in problems on the part of the child. The research increases knowledge regarding the links between emotional availability of the mother and behavioral problems on the part of children. Its results will have implications for intervention programs on the part of therapeutic personnel who come in contact with parents and children.
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