Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2025 (SSCI)
This study compared the ‘parent-child relationships, marital adjustment, and attachment styles’ of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities (CID) and typically developing children (TDC) within the framework of family systems theory. A causal-comparative research design was employed. The research was conducted with mothers of children between the ages of 6–18 studying at schools in a province in the east of Türkiye, selected by purposive sampling. The research was carried out with 214 mothers (n = 100 CID and n = 114 TDC). Data were collected using the ‘Descriptive Information Form, Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and Relationships Scales Questionnaire’. Mean scores on the CPRS total scale, dismissing attachment, preoccupied attachment, and fearful attachment were significantly higher among mothers of CID compared to those of mothers of TDC (p < 0.001). Conversely, the mean DAS total score was significantly higher among mothers of TDC (p < 0.001). Mothers of CID experience greater parent-child conflict, lower marital adjustment, and a higher prevalence of insecure attachment styles than mothers of TDC. Considering the effects of mothers’ secure attachment style on their relationships with their children and their marital adjustment, it becomes evident that strengthening these factors is essential for promoting healthy family functioning within the framework of family systems theory.