Evaluation of Effective Maternal Characteristics in Behavioral Problems of 2-6 Years Old Children

The present study investigated the relationship between maternal factors and behavioral problems in children 2 to 6 years old. The study is descriptive- post hoc. 350 mothers were selected from 15 kindergartens of 3 areas of Tehran by multistage sampling method. They completed Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale, Parenting Stress Index, Sources of Social Support Scale, Maternal efficacy Questionnaire and Preschool Behavior Checklist. Stepwise regression analysis showed that parenting stress and maternal self-efficacy, in two steps, could explain 20% of variance of behavioral problems in children (P≤0/05). Among mentioned effective maternal characteristics, parenting stress and maternal self-efficacy showed most relationship with behavioral problems in children (P≤0/05). Therefore, educational programs relevant to the mentioned factors can predict and reduce behavioral problems in children.