Examining the effect of mother's employment status on anxiety, depression, and social skills levels of preschool children

The mother's employment status is a condition that can affect the mental health of children in a critical period such as 0-6 years of age. The study aimed to examine to what extent the mother's employment status can affect preschool children's emotional states and social skills. In the study conducted with 325 preschool children (4-6) living in the city center of Muş, data were collected using scales filled out by parents. The Family Information Form, The Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, and The Social Skills Assessment Scale were applied to the parents who agreed to participate in the study. The research indicated that children of working mothers were more prone to exhibiting obsessive-compulsive behaviours (OCD), while demonstrating superior self-control skills compared to their counterparts with unemployed mothers. In addition, living in a low-income family and using technological devices for more than five hours a day were associated with more frequent symptoms of anxiety and depression. While it was found that children with a mother or father with a high school or lower education level exhibited more generalized anxiety and OCD symptoms than others, a significant relationship was determined between living in a large family and panic disorder, and between living in a detached house and self-control skills. Finally, a negative relationship was observed between children's anxiety and depression levels and their social skills. Some suggestions were made based on the results obtained.