The Impact of Preschool Social-Emotional Development on Academic Success of Elementary School Students

Merita Shala

Psychology Department, FAMA College, Pristine, Kosovo.

DOI: 10.4236/psych.2013.411112                

Abstract

Social and emotional development is considered as an important factor in child development, especially considering its importance in child school readiness. Social and emotional development consists of the relationships an individual has with others, the level of self-control, and the motivation and perseverance a person has during an activity. This study examined the relationship between children’s preschool social and emotional development and their academic success in primary school. There were 96 children from Pristine participating in the study, 28 of them in the first grade, 32 in the second grade, 15 in the third grade and 21 in the fourth grade. To determine the relationship between children’s social and emotional development, during their preschool years, the ELDS assessment form was used, while for their academic achievements in each grade, the ELDS assessment form was used for their grades in two subjects. Several hierarchical regressions were used to determine the relationship between children’s social and emotional development, during their preschool years and their academic success. The results of this study revealed that the social and emotional development showed significant predictive value for the first, second and third grade criterion variables. While for the fourth grade, there was no significant predictive value.

Keywords

Social-Emotional Development; Academic Success; School Readiness

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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