Determinants of Psychological Well-Being in Early Childhood: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1229/tecempresarialjournal.v21i2.839Keywords:
Preschool Children, Family Environment, Mental Health, Child Welfare, Literature Reviews.Abstract
Psychological well-being in early childhood is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of long-term developmental outcomes. However, existing reviews often focus on specific variables or contexts, leaving a need for a more integrative synthesis. This study aims to systematically map the theoretical foundations, contextual patterns, methodological trends, and key determinants of psychological well-being in early childhood. A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Fifty-eight peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus (2016–2026) were selected and synthesized using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics within the Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodology (TCCM) framework. Results indicate that research in this field is dominated by quantitative designs, particularly regression analysis and structural equation modelling. The most frequently examined determinants include parental influence, socioeconomic status, and children's screen time exposure, with parenting style, family mental health, and digital media use consistently shaping psychological well-being. Research output is largely concentrated in developed countries, notably the United States and China, while studies from developing regions remain limited. The review highlights the need for longitudinal, mixed-methods, and culturally responsive research to advance theoretical development and support more effective early childhood well-being policies and interventions.
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