The Role of Maternal Variables in Predicting Maternal Gatekeeping Performance in Mothers of Iranian Children Aged 2 to 5 Years

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Ph.D. Student in Clinical Psychology,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates maternal gatekeeping behaviors and their relationship with demographic and psychosocial factors among Iranian mothers with children aged 2-5 years. Despite the importance of maternal gatekeeping in child development, comprehensive research on maternal gatekeeping within the Iranian cultural context is lacking. This descriptive-correlational study aimed to identify the predominant type of maternal gatekeeping and examine its relationship with marital satisfaction, employment status, age, and education level.
Methods: A sample of 386 mothers, recruited through social media platforms, completed the Maternal Gatekeeping Questionnaire (MGK-P) and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and one-way ANOVA.
Results: Results revealed that the dominant type of maternal gatekeeping in Iran was "Traditional gate blockers." Marital satisfaction showed significant correlations with all gatekeeping dimensions: positive with encouragement (r=0.517, p<0.01) and negative with discouragement (r=-0.341, p<0.01) and control (r=-0.168, p<0.01). Maternal age correlated positively only with the discouragement dimension (r=0.114, p<0.05). Child gender significantly influenced the control dimension (p=0.007), with mothers exerting more control over sons. Employment status and education level showed no significant relationships with gatekeeping dimensions.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that marital satisfaction is the strongest predictor of maternal gatekeeping behaviors in Iranian mothers. The prevalence of the "Traditional gate blocker" pattern highlights the influence of cultural factors and gender expectations on maternal roles in Iranian society. This study contributes to understanding maternal gatekeeping dynamics in Iran and informs the development of culturally sensitive family interventions.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Family Relations Studies
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 20
February 2026
Pages 38-46

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 12 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 February 2025

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