Analysis of Empowerment Factors in the Mother-Child Relationship during Emerging Adolescence: A Study Based on Grounded Theory

The mother-child relationship is one of the affecting factors in the psychological development of children. Many human abilities such as thinking, language, self-awareness, etc. come from the first human relationship in which the child is involved. This study aimed to design a conceptual model of the mother-child relationship based on the mothers' direct experiences in the form of a deep approach. The present study was qualitative and grounded theory type. The statistical population of this study consisted of all mothers with daughters aged 10 to 11 years old in the Tebadkan district of Mashhad in the 2021-2022  academic year. Participants in the study were 30 mothers who were selected by theoretical sampling. Semi-structured interview tool was used to collect information. Data analysis was performed based on the model of Strauss-Corbin and a total of 112 concepts were identified which were arranged into 14 sub-themes and 5 main themes. The results were placed according to the paradigm model in the contextual, environmental,  mediational, strategy, and outcome fields. Findings showed that factors such as a mother's self-awareness, mindful parenting, and emotional regulation ability can be used as practical strategies to empower mothers to improve relationships with their children. Effective contextual and environmental factors on the quality of communication such as having a suitable pattern and socio-economic status are also among the prerequisites that can affect the quality of the relationship. The proposed strategies in this study lead to a good relationship that provides the basis for the child's next relationship in the community, which is itself a long-term investment. Planning and diligence in order to empower parents, especially mothers, to improve this basic relationship can be considered by those involved in education.