Maternal perceptions of children: Qualitative differences among mothers of behaviour problem and nonproblem children

Abstract

Oppositional defiant and conduct disorder are two of the most common childhood adjustment problems. Given the serious short-and long-term implications of these disorders, much research has focused on the assessment and treatment of these behaviour problems. However, most of the large body of literature on these problems has relied upon maternal responses to either forced-choice questions or directed questioning, limiting the qualitative input that the parent may contribute.The present study investigated the qualitative perceptions that mothers held of their child, with and without problems. Significant differences were found between mothers of clinical and nonclinical children. Many of the results supported past quantitative research, but there are new insights into the tendency of clinical parents not only to make more negative and critical comments about their child but also to qualify any positive remarks they made about the child.