발달지연 및 장애위험군 유아의 자율성이 어린이집 적응에 미치는 영향: 문제행동의 매개효과

The Effect of Autonomy on Childcare Center Adjustment in Young Children with Developmental Delays and at Risk for Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Problem Behaviors

This study aimed to analyze the relationships among autonomy, problem behaviors, and daycare center adjustment in young children with developmental delays or at risk for disabilities, and to verify the mediating effect of problem behaviors. Data were collected from 24 teachers who rated 116 children aged 3 to 5 years attending inclusive daycare centers. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 and the PROCESS macro. The results showed a significant correlation: higher autonomy was associated with lower problem behaviors and better daycare center adjustment. Notably, autonomy was found to have an indirect effect on daycare center adjustment, mediated by problem behaviors. These findings suggest that a positive psychological cycle exists where experiences of autonomy, which restore a child's intrinsic motivation, reduce problem behaviors and ultimately promote better adjustment. Based on these results, the study proposes the need for sensitive teacher-child interaction, the creation of play-centered educational environments, and policy support to promote autonomy in young children with developmental delays and those at risk for disabilities, taking into account their unique developmental characteristics.