A Comparative Study of Sensory Processing and Self-Care Skills in Children Aged 3–6 Years with Employed and Unemployed Mothers

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare sensory processing patterns and self-care skills of children aged 3-6 with employed and unemployed mothers. The main objective was to examine whether maternal employment status is associated with differences in sensory responsiveness and functional self-care performance during early childhood. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Twenty-six children with employed mothers and twenty-five children with unemployed mothers were included in the study. Sensory processing abilities were assessed using the Sensory Profile completed by caregivers. Self-care skills were evaluated by teachers using a standardised self-care assessment tool. Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured form Independent-samples t-tests and chi-square analyses were conducted to compare continuous and categorical variables. Results: Auditory processing scores were lower in children of employed mothers than in those of unemployed mothers (p = 0.002). Sensory threshold scores were higher in the employed-mother group (p = 0.013). Self-care scores did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Categorical analyses revealed higher rates of atypical tactile processing (p = 0.034), emotional–social responses (p = 0.015), and sensory threshold classification (p = 0.029) in children with unemployed mothers. Conclusion: Maternal employment status may be associated with variations in children’s sensory processing patterns, whereas self-care skills appear more stable and routine-oriented. Environmental stimulation, social participation, and daily structure may contribute to these differences. Future research with larger samples and longitudinal designs is recommended.

Keywords

• maternal employment
• self-care skills
• sensory processing
• early childhood
• preschool

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was received for this study from Hacettepe University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee with the number E-68552689-000-00003570645.

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