Fatores de Risco Sociocultural e a Qualidade da Relação Mãe-Criança

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study examines the association between sociocultural risk factors and the quality of the mother-child relationship, based on the premise that social and cultural contexts can significantly influence child development. Risks such as poverty, social exclusion, and lack of access to educational resources may negatively impact a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Therefore, understanding the quality of the mother-child relationship in vulnerable contexts is essential. This quantitative, correlational study is based on secondary data collected within a broader research project at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto. The objectives were: (1) to investigate whether there is an association between the presence of sociocultural risk factors and the quality of the mother-child relationship; and (2) to examine whether the accumulation of such risks affects this relationship. Contrary to expectations, the results did not show a significant association between the accumulation of sociocultural risk factors and the quality of the mother-child relationship. However, some specific associations were identified between certain risk factors and dimensions of the mother-child relationship. The risk factor "large household" was negatively associated with maternal involvement, suggesting that the presence of multiple family members may reduce one-on-one time between mother and child. On the other hand, this same risk factor was linked to lower levels of relational frustration, indicating a potential protective effect. These findings highlight the complex interplay between sociocultural conditions and relational dynamics, underscoring the importance of multifactorial approaches when analyzing contexts of risk. Keywords: Sociocultural risk, Mother-child relationship, Child development