The Role of Peer Attachment on Early Children Emotional Regulation

Abstract

Positive peer attachment plays a very important role as a safe social environment for early childhood which functions as a forum for learning to manage, modify and express emotions appropriately. The aim was to determine the effect of peer attachment on the emotional regulation of children aged 4-6 years at TK Kristen Betlehem Oesapa Barat, Kota Kupang.. This research method was quantitative with an ex post facto approach. The research sample consisted of 71 children aged 4-6 years with a total sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires to parents and semi-structured interviews, analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data collection technique used a questionnaire in the form of a peer attachment scale and an emotional regulation scale. Data analysis was carried out using simple linear regression. The results showed a positive and significant influence between peer attachment and children's emotional regulation. The calculated t value was 3.927 with a significance of 0.000 (p <0.05). The coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.227 indicates that peer attachment contributes 22.7% to children's emotional regulation, while 77.3% is influenced by other factors such as parenting styles, teacher-child relationships, and the social environment. This finding emphasizes the importance of warm and close relationships with peers in supporting optimal emotional regulation in children.