Emotional Bonds in Early Childhood: A Qualitative Investigation Based on Drawings and Narratives of Children and Their Mothers

Abstract

The present study focuses on the analysis of interactions between preschool children and Significant Others, focusing on the mother-child relationship, with the aim of gaining an in-depth understanding of their emotional and social development. The theoretical background of the research is based on the Psychopedagogical Theories of the Object Relationship, highlighting the crucial role of the early mother-child relationship in shaping children’s psycho-emotional identity. The research data collection was carried out using children’s drawings and their corresponding narratives from fifty children of preschool ; primary school age, attending public kindergartens, nurseries and primary schools in the Central and Southern Sector of Athens. At the same time, the mothers of these children participated in narrative interviews, in which they described their experience of their relationship with their children. The children’s narratives and mother’s interviews were analyzed in the qualitative analysis software ATLAS.ti in order to draw conclusions. The importance of early detection, as well as strengthening the bonds between child and Significant Others, as a key factor for mental well-being and smooth socialization is emphasized.