Anxiety in early childhood: Comparing preschoolers and first-grade students

The article examines anxiety and its relationship with emotional and behavioral responses in children aged 5 to 7, comparing preschoolers and first-grade students. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with teachers, preschool educators, and school psychologists, while quantitative data were collected via online parent surveys. Statistical analysis using SPSS assessed anxiety differences between the two groups and explored symptom prevalence by gender. Findings confirm that anxiety significantly influences emotional regulation and behavior across educational settings, with notable differences linked to school transition and social expectations. The results offer practical insights for educators, psychologists, and caregivers to better support children’s emotional development in early education.