The Effect of Problem Behavior on Self-efficacy of Young Children: Focusing on the Mediating Effects of Play Flow

This study examined the effects of young children's problem behavior on self-efficacy through play flow. The study collected surveys from 152 five-year-old children from 10 public kindergartens in G city, and surveys were conducted on children's problem behavior, play flow, and self-efficacy. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and JAMOVI 23.0 for descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis and path analysis. The results of the study showed significant correlations between young children's problem behavior, play flow, and self-efficacy. Problem behavior showed significant negative correlations with self-efficacy and play flow, while play flow showed a significant positive correlation with self-efficacy. Additionally, problem behavior emerged as a negative predictor of self-efficacy in young children, and play flow was found to have a partial mediating effect between the two variables. This study validates the potential impact of problem behavior and play flow on the development of self-efficacy in young children, emphasizing the need for educational support to reduce problem behaviors and enhance play flow to promote self-efficacy.