Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences

Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences

Explaining Maternal Aggression: Modeling Causes and Strategies Using a Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Reza Reyhani 1
Mahdi arkhodi ghalenoei 2
aliakbar soleimanian 3
mansoor sodani 4
1 Ph.D in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Councelling, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Humanities Faculty, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran
4 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahavz, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22077/qrbs.2025.10566.1144
Abstract
Background: Maternal aggression towards children is a significant psychological issue with negative consequences for the child's emotional and behavioral development. However, the majority of previous research has been predominantly quantitative, paying less attention to the lived experiences and in-depth understanding of mothers regarding this behavior. This limitation has resulted in an insufficient understanding of the actual roots and contexts of this phenomenon. Accordingly, conducting in-depth qualitative research is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of this issue.
Aim: The present study aimed to extract a theoretical model of maternal aggression towards children and identify its related factors, processes, and consequences within the cultural context of Iran.
Method: This qualitative study employed the grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 1998). Participants were mothers residing in Mashhad in 2024 who had lived experience relevant to the research topic. Purposive sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, resulting in a total of 12 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted through open, axial, and selective coding.
Results: The findings revealed that the core category was "Emotional Arousal: Educational-Caregiving Anger," which is shaped by five other main categories. Influential factors included "Internal-External Challenges of Constructive Interaction with the Child," "Mother's Maladaptive Internal Experiences," and "Mother's Support Networks." Strategies of maternal aggression were identified under the category "Maternal Mistreatment of the Child," and its consequences were grouped under the category "Destabilization of Individual and Family Functioning," including maternal guilt, damage to child attachment, and disruption of family atmosphere. These findings indicate a complex interaction of psychological factors, personal experiences, and environmental support in the emergence of maternal aggression.
Conclusions: Maternal aggression is a multidimensional phenomenon that requires special attention in educational and psychological programs aimed at improving mother-child relationships. Focusing on influential factors and support networks can play a preventive role in reducing aggression and promoting children's mental health.
Keywords
human resource management
training
data- driven
big data
municipality
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 24 November 2025
  • Revise Date 18 December 2025
  • Accept Date 28 December 2025