PREDICTORS OF A CHILD’S SOCIAL SKILLS ASIT RELATES TO MOTHER ATTACHMENT STYLES AND MOTHER ANXIETY LEVELS AMONG STUDENTS IN GRADES (1-3)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find the predictors of a child’s social skills from mother attachment styles and anxiety levels among students in (1-3) grades in Amman city. A sample of (250) mothers for students in (1-3) grades in Amman city were selected through purposive sampling methods. Three instruments were used (Attachment Style Questionnaire, Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) and Trait Anxiety Inventory) to measure the study variable. The study results revealed that most of the attachment styles were consistent and there was a wide range of attachment styles that were common among mother of school children. The children’s social skills were found to be in the moderate level and acceptable. The mother’s anxiety levels insinuate a high level of anxiety in terms of either her state or anxiety traits. The multiple regression analysis revealed that there were four predictors of mother attachment style that had a significant impact on a child’s social skills. These predictors included, “confidence”, “need for approval”, “preoccupation with relationships confidence” and “relationships as secondary”. All the aforementioned predictors were noted to have a positive impact on social skills. Finally, the mother’s anxiety level, more specifically the anxiety state or traits had a significant negative impact on social skills development of a child.