Abstract

The purpose of this study is to study anxieties of mothers related to their children’s future. Qualitative method was used in order to study anxieties of mothers from different socio-economic levels. Sample of the study participants are 129 mothers living in Istanbul. 32 of those mothers are from upper socio-economic level, 57, from middle socio-economic level and 40, from lower socio-economic level. A half-structured interview form designed by researcher was used as data collection instrument. Descriptive analysis technique was used in interview analysis according to qualitative data analysis. Ä°n the result of the study, anxieties about their children not having a good education, having bad friends, not having a job with which they would be happy, having health problems, not being able to find a good job are frequently observed. All mothers in lower, middle and upper socio-economic groups are anxious about their children having a good education. This was strikingly the leading factor in lower and middle socio-economic groups. Problems are the leading anxiety factor in upper socio-economic group. Mothers in lower socio-economic group did not utter anxiety about their children not maintaining family ties, not realizing their children, having no child, having no social reputation.

Key words: Anxiety, anxiety about future, mothers.