Relationship Between Problem Solving Ability and Emotional Stability in Preschool Children

유아기 아동의 문제해결능력과 정서적 안정과의 관계

The purpose of this study was to examine (1) problem solving processes, and (2) the relationship between problem solving abilities and emotional stability in preschool children. Sixty children, 4, 5, and 6 years of age were selected as subjects from 2 kindergartens. Their problem solving abilities were assessed with the Sink and Float activity and their emotional stability was measured with the House-Tree-Person test. General abilities for problem solving developed with increase in children's age. That is, age differences were found in all 3 problem solving processes of generating, testing, and applying hypotheses. No differences between sexes or kindergarten program were found. Children's emotional stability was significantly related to problem solving ability. While the relationship between emotional stability and processes of generating and applying hypotheses was not significant, emotionally stable children performed better in free play.