Child psychological well-being linked to self-efficacy and mental health monitoring

Research from IPB University expert Zahro Malihah indicates that self-efficacy—the belief in one's own ability to complete tasks—is the strongest factor linked to a child's psychological well-being. The study, which involved 304 mothers of children aged 4–6, suggests that children build this belief through daily experiences, such as dressing themselves or overcoming small challenges, rather than through environmental factors alone.

In addition to building self-efficacy, experts highlight the importance of monitoring signs of depression in children. Unlike adults, children may not express sadness directly; instead, depression can manifest as irritability, tantrums, loss of interest in hobbies, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior such as lying or self-harming thoughts. Consistent observation of these behavioral shifts is essential for early intervention.