Does the Educational Environment Affect the Psychological Well-Being of Preschool Children? Analysis of the Role of Discipline

Disciplinary rules and measures in the educational environment are an important factor in the formation of students' emotions and behavior that can affect their well-being in this way. Therefore, identifying the role of the discipline process on the psychological well-being of children in preschool centers was determined as the aim of the present study, which was achieved through a qualitative survey method. The research sample consisted of 16 educators working in preschool centers who were purposefully selected. The data collection tool was a Semi-Structured Interview. The qualitative analysis method was used with a three-step coding technique (open, axial, and selective) to achieve the findings. The results indicate that some disciplinary measures have a positive role and others negatively affect children's psychological well-being. The process of discipline will positively affect the psychological well-being of children through pleasant disciplinary strategies and regulations that develop interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, it can also have a negative effect on psychological well-being through debilitating strategies of positive self-concept and disciplinary strategies and regulations that threaten autonomy and independence. Accordingly, the establishment of participatory discipline based on the development of relationships and positive feelings to promote children's psychological well-being in preschool centers is recommended to educators.