Özgün BELEN, Ezginur GÜNDOĞMUŞ, Bilal Mert BİLDİŞ, Gonca BUMİN
Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi - 2026;13(2):303-314
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.
