Assessing early childhood psychological health in Malaysia: Validation of a measurement tool from practitioners’ perspectives

Abstract

Children’s mental health is critical for their cognitive development, emotional expression, and social interactions, yet tools to reliably assess psychological well-being in Malaysian preschools remain limited. This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive evaluation framework for assessing preschoolers’ mental health, drawing insights from early childhood educators. The specific objectives are to (1) examine the influence of teacher-student interactions on children’s emotional resilience and social behavior, (2) evaluate the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) programs on adaptability, and (3) assess the role of family participation in supporting positive mental health outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 32 preschool educators through structured surveys and interviews. The reliability of the developed instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while convergent and discriminant validity analyses ensured its accuracy and robustness. Results demonstrated strong internal consistency across all measured variables, confirming the framework’s reliability and effectiveness. Findings highlighted the pivotal role of meaningful teacher-student relationships and structured EI programs in promoting emotional and social development. Additionally, active parental involvement emerged as a significant factor influencing children’s adaptive behavior and overall well-being. By providing a validated assessment tool, this study offers practical guidance for educators and policymakers to implement targeted interventions that foster early childhood mental health. The outcomes also contribute to broader educational and health goals, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education). Overall, this research underscores the importance of integrating educator insights, family engagement, and evidence-based programs to enhance preschoolers’ psychological resilience, supporting the development of holistic strategies for early childhood well-being.