The Effectiveness of Attachment-Based Parenting on Parenting Orientation and Parenting Adaptability among Mothers of Elementary School Children

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of attachment-based parenting on parenting orientation and parenting adaptability among mothers of elementary school children. This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a one-month follow-up and a control group. The sample included 40 mothers of 7- to 11-year-old elementary school girls in Isfahan, selected purposively and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of attachment-based parenting training, while the control group remained on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Parenting Adaptability Questionnaire and Parenting Orientation Questionnaire and analyzed through repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. The time × group interaction was significant for parenting orientation (F=106.16, p<0.001, η²=0.736), and the between-group effect was also significant (F=6.35, p=0.016, η²=0.143). For parenting adaptability, the time × group interaction was significant (F=76.58, p<0.001, η²=0.668), as was the between-group effect (F=8.35, p=0.006, η²=0.180). Bonferroni results indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups at posttest and follow-up for both variables. Attachment-based parenting appears to be an effective intervention for improving parenting orientation and parenting adaptability among mothers of elementary school children.