The Effect of Storytelling Intervention on the Mental Health of Preschool Children

Chatarina Suryaningsih; Nadyah Faadhillah Husain

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.002219

Authors

Chatarina Suryaningsih
chatarina.surya@yahoo.com
Jenderal Achmad Yani University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6941-3212
Nadyah Faadhillah Husain Jenderal Achmad Yani University

Keywords:

Kindegarten, Mental Health, Preschool, Self-Confidence, Storytelling

Abstract

Every year, around 24.6% of children aged 0-17 years in the world experience mental health problems. One of the efforts to improve mental health is the introduction of reading from an early age through storytelling. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of storytelling intervention on mental health in preschool children. This research uses a Quasi-experimental design through the Nonequivalent Control Group Design approach. Sampling used the total sampling technique with a total of 61 children enrolled in Kartika VIII-42 Cimahi Kindergarten. Data were obtained using the Strength Difficulties Questionnaire. The tests used were the dependent t-test and the independent t-test. The results of the study were obtained in the intervention group; the mean before the intervention was 8.88 and the mean after the intervention was 6.69. In the control group, the mean before the intervention was 10.41 and the mean after the intervention was 10.69. The results of the independent t-test obtained a p-value after intervention in both groups of 0.002 (α < 0.05); there was a difference in mental health after intervention in the intervention group and the control group. It is hoped that storytelling will be used as a promotional effort in improving children's mental health, and the school will make storytelling activities a routine activity in helping children to improve their mental health from an early age.

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Author Biographies

Chatarina Suryaningsih, Jenderal Achmad Yani University

is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Jenderal Achmad Yani University, Indonesia. Her teaching and research interests include pediatric nursing, community health nursing, mental health promotion, and nursing education. She has been actively involved in research, community service, and scientific publications focusing on improving health outcomes through evidence-based nursing practice. (email: chatarinasuryaningsih7@gmail.com).

Nadyah Faadhillah Husain, Jenderal Achmad Yani University

is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Jenderal Achmad Yani University, Indonesia. Her academic interests include child health, mental health nursing, health promotion, and community nursing. She actively participates in research and community engagement activities, with a particular focus on improving children's health and well-being through evidence-based nursing interventions. (email: nadyahfhusain@gmail.com).

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