Purpose
The purpose of this study was to set up a hypothetical model to explain causal relationships among influential variables in the mother-child relationship for Korean infants and toddlers and their mothers. The research was based on Barnard’s (1978) mother-child relations model, and goodness-of-fit was examined.
Methods
The participants were 207 mothers with infants or toddlers. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS programs.
Results
Regarding the influence of the variables on the mother-child relationship between infants and toddlers and their mothers, social support had a 75% explanation of mother-child relationships, and attachment had a 58% explanation of social support. Attachment had both direct and indirect effects on the mother-child relationships, and social support had direct and total effects on the mother-child relationships. Among child-related variables, child temperament had a moderating effect on the mother-child relationships.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the model has utility in developing effective nursing intervention methods to boost mother-child relationships between infants and toddlers and their mothers.

Citations

• Structural Equation Modeling of the Interaction between Mothers and Preschool-Age Children
  Hyun-Yi Chai, Mi-Young Choi
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2021; 51(5): 630.     CrossRef