Influence of Shyness and Unsociability on Peer Play Behavior in 3- to 6-Year-Old Preschool Children: Mediating and Moderating Roles of Playfulness

Abstract

In this study, 990 preschool children of 3- to 6-year-old were selected as participants to explore the influence of shyness and unsociability on peer play behavior in preschool children, focusing on the mediating and moderating roles of playfulness. The study employed the Child Social Preference Scale, Children’s Playfulness Scale, and Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale to assess the variables. The findings indicate that preschool children’s shyness and unsociability negatively predict their play interaction and positively predict their play disruption and play disconnection. Playfulness partially mediates and moderates the relationships between shyness and unsociability with peer play behavior. To promote the social development of shy and unsociable preschool children, it is imperative for teachers and parents to respect and accept the characteristics of children, guide them in adopting positive problem-solving strategies, and improve their playfulness.

Keywords

preschool children / shyness / unsociability / peer play behavior / playfulness

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2024 Higher Education Press