Purpose: This study was done to provide a basis for future theory development by analyzing the phenomenon of parent-child relationships based on the 4 areas described by Kim (2000). Methods: A descriptive research design was used to identify research trends in nursing related to the phenomenon of parent-child relationships. Results: Before 1990, the trend in research design was quantitative designs, but since 1990, qualitative research has also been done. Mothers were the most popular research target for these studies followed by mothers and children together. In analyzing the 4 areas outlined by Kim (2000), it was found that most of the research was done on client domain and parents. The research concepts relevant to the essentialistic concept of research target, were ``child rearing``, ``breast-feeding`` and ``attachment``. For problematic concepts, the concept of ``stress`` was continuously dealt with over the period and for the health-care experiential concept, ``adjustment`` and ``coping`` by parents were the main focus of research. Conclusion: The results show that parent-child relationship research was mainly concentrated on research participants and concepts. In the future, improvements should be made in research development of nursing practice programs and development of theory, to address the complete phenomenon of parent-child relationships.