Insights into families of children with selective mutism

Ivona Romić; Sanja Šimleša; Marina Olujić Tomazin; Jasmina Ivšac Pavliša

doi:10.5937/specedreh25-61534

Ivona Romić SUVAG Polyclinic for the Rehabilitation of Listening and Speech, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1769-4473
Sanja Šimleša University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5089-823X
Marina Olujić Tomazin University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4502-014X
Jasmina Ivšac Pavliša University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7522-2385

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/specedreh25-61534

Keywords: selective mutism, parental personality traits, family risk factors

Abstract

Introduction. Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder marked by persistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite normal speech in others. Research suggests a multifactorial aetiology involving temperament, genetic, neurodevelopmental, and environmental influences, with families playing a significant role. Aim. This study examined parental personality traits and family environmental factors in 30 mothers of children with SM. Method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the IPIP-NEO-120 inventory. Results. Parents most often described themselves in childhood as quiet, shy, or withdrawn, traits commonly observed in their children. On the personality scale, they scored highest on agreeableness and conscientiousness and lowest on neuroticism. Families were described as sociable but primarily within close family circles. Nearly three-quarters of children had experienced at least one environmental risk factor, most often relocation. Conclusion. Findings highlight the importance of familial characteristics in understanding SM and suggest implications for targeted support and intervention.

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