The Relationship Between Emotional Abuse Potential and Mental Health Status of Mothers with 3-6-Year-Old Children

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the emotional abuse potential of mothers with 3-6-year-old children and their mental health status. Methods: The descriptive study included 301 mothers of children aged 3-6 living in Sivas province. Data were collected using the Introductory Characteristics Form, Emotional Abuse Potential Scale for Parents with 3-6-Year-Old Children, and General Health Questionnaire 12 and analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 program. Results: The mean Emotional Abuse Potential Scale score of the mothers participating in the study was 69.02±9.70, the mean General Health Questionnaire score was 1.68±2.54, and approximately one-third of them were at risk for mental problems. A significant positive correlation was found between the emotional abuse potential of the mothers and the general health questionnaire scale scores. Conclusion: The study indicates that an increase in mothers’ psychological difficulties is associated with a heightened risk of emotional abuse. Accordingly, it may be suggested that parents be informed about emotional abuse and that their mental health be actively supported. Keywords: child, emotional abuse, mothers, mental health