The Relationship Between Parent-Child Relationship and Maternal Mental Health in Predicting Social Intelligence Among Students Applying for Gifted Exam

Background: Understanding the dynamics of parent-child interactions is essential, as they significantly influence various developmental outcomes in students, including social intelligence. Social intelligence is a key factor in students' success in both educational and social environments. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the predictive relationship between the parent-child relationship, maternal mental health, and social intelligence among students applying for the gifted exam. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study examined the relationships between parent-child relationships, maternal mental health, and social intelligence among 9th-grade female students in Tehran who applied for gifted programs in 2023. A convenience sample of 301 dyads was selected to participate. Data were collected before the administration of the gifted exam using self-report questionnaires assessing social intelligence, parent-child relationships, and maternal mental health. Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise regression were employed to examine the relationships among the variables. Results: The study found a significant positive correlation between parent-child relationship quality and students' social intelligence (P < 0.001). Additionally, maternal mental health showed a significant positive association with students' social intelligence (P < 0.001). The results suggest that the parent-child relationship plays a role in predicting the social intelligence of students applying for the gifted exam. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical role of positive parent-child relationships in fostering social intelligence, suggesting the potential benefits of interventions that promote effective communication and nurturing family relationships. The contribution of maternal mental health to children's social development also warrants further investigation.