Predictor Role of the Attachment Styles of Mothers on Anxiety Level of Children Starting Primary Schools Preparation

Abstract

This study aims at examining the predictor role of attachment styles of mothers on the anxiety level of children starting primary school. The study is conducted with 144 mothers who have children who will be starting primary school in the next term. General Information Form, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (Parent's Form) and Adult Attachment Scale were used to collect data in the study, which is designed with the relational screening model. Kolmogorov-Simirnov test was used to ensure normality assumption in data analysis and it was found that normality assumption of data was fulfilled substantially as a result of the analysis. Thus, parametrical statistical methods were preferred. DUNCAN test was used to determine the groups creating the difference, when there was a difference based on the ANOVA test result. A relationship was found between the mother's attachment styles and sex, income level, and child's reaction to separation from the mother and mother's reaction to separation from the child in the study. However, a relationship could not be found between variables such as the mother's attachment style and number of children, mother's post-partum depression condition, presence of psychosomatic complaints reported by children and whether the child experienced any problems in adjustment to school or not. It was found that secure attachment of the mother was a predictor for the child's panic attack-agoraphobia, fear of physical injury and separation anxiety. Secure attachment of the mother reduces the anxiety in children. The output has shown that the mother transferred the attachment behavior to her children.