A Delphi Study on the Physical Factors Influencing the Enhancement of Children's Emotional Intelligence in Preschool Environments
Subject Areas : City architectmaryam abdollahi 1 * , محسن فیضی 2 * , seyedeh marzieh Tabaeian 3 , Hossein Eskandari 4
1 -
2 - استاد تمام دانشکده معماری و شهرسازی دانشگاه علم و صنعت ایران
3 - Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
4 - Department of Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Emotional intelligence, physical factors, preschool environment, experts, Delphi method,
Abstract :
Despite the well-established impact of emotional intelligence on children's social and emotional development, limited research has examined the influence of the physical characteristics of preschool environments on this aspect. The lack of appropriate design standards hinders the optimal growth of children's emotional intelligence and leads to negative consequences. This study aims to identify the physical factors that contribute to enhancing children's emotional intelligence in preschool environments. The significance of emotional intelligence necessitates designing educational spaces that strengthen these capabilities. The research was conducted using a survey method and the Delphi technique in multiple stages. Data collection, following a comprehensive literature and document review, involved a researcher-developed questionnaire examining the physical components affecting children's emotional intelligence. The study’s statistical population consisted of 22 experts in the fields of architecture and environmental psychology, selected through a snowball sampling method. Using open and axial coding techniques and a goal-content table, a 49-item researcher-designed questionnaire was developed and completed by experts. The data were analyzed through Q-factor analysis to examine the impact of various components on the study variables. Based on the findings, the most influential factors on children's emotional intelligence, according to experts, were categorized into seven groups: visual guidance and environmental legibility, sensory enrichment in natural settings, interactive learning spaces, play areas, environmental diversity and flexibility, indoor-outdoor connectivity, and psychological and physical comfort. Designing preschool environments with these factors in mind can significantly enhance children's emotional intelligence.
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