The purpose of this study was 1)to explore the relationship among maternal mind-mindedness, parenting stress, parenting behaviors and preschooler''s emotional intelligence, and 2)to explore the effect of maternal mind-mindedness on parenting stress, parenting behaviors and preschooler''s emotional intelligence.
The sample of the present study was 104 preschooler''s mothers and their teachers. Maternal mind-mindedness was assessed by mother''s description of child and parenting stress, parenting behaviors, emotional intelligence were assessed by questionnaire based on several studies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANCOVA, MANCOVA, correlation analysis.
The result of this study is summarized as follow;
First, there was significant correlation in positive and negative mind-mindedness, parenting stress, parenting behaviors and preschooler''s emotional intelligence. More specifically Positive mind-mindedness was positively correlated with parenting behaviors, was negatively correlated with parenting stress. In contrast, Negative mind-mindedness was positively correlated with parenting stress, was negatively correlated with parenting behaviors and preschooler''s emotional intelligence.
Second, there were significant differences in parenting stress by negative mind-mindedness, and in parenting behaviors by positive mind-mindedness and interactive effect.
Third, parenting stress mediated the effects of positive and negative mind-mindedness on parenting behaviors.
Fourth, positive mind-mindedness have an effect on relationship with peers of emotional intelligence and negative mind-mindedness have an effect on emotional intelligence. Moreover parenting behaviors mediated the effects of negative mind-mindedness on regulation of emotion, empathy of emotional intelligence.
In conclusion, maternal mind-mindedness affected on parenting stress, parenting behaviors, preschooler''s emotional intelligence. The findings of the study will contribute to help development of preschooler''s emotion and to support maternal mental security.