A situational analysis of young children’s mental health awareness in Malaysia: expert perspectives

Zubairi, Az Athirah and Badzis, Mastura (2025) A situational analysis of young children’s mental health awareness in Malaysia: expert perspectives. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (QJSSH), 6 (1). pp. 71-80. E-ISSN 2716-6481

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Abstract

Mental health awareness has become an important component of public health in Malaysia, particularly in terms of young children's mental well-being. This qualitativestudy explores mental health experts' perceptions of awareness regarding young children's mental health issues in Malaysia. Nine themes emerged from semi-structured interviews with professionals such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and non-governmental organisation representatives. These include seeing mental health as a spectrum, the persistence of stigma and cultural barriers, the influence of early childhood experiences, and the significance of personalised treatment approaches like play therapy. The findings illustrate both progress and obstacles in Malaysia's mental health strategy, revealing generational shifts in views as well as the need of supporting family contexts. The study emphasises the importance of focused interventions and enhanced knowledge for reducing stigma and improving mental health outcomes in early children. Further research should look into the changing role of cultural dynamics and media in shaping mental health beliefs.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	child mental health, young children, Malaysia, situational analysis
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1050.9 Educational psychology L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1101 Child study L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1140 Preschool education
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling Kulliyyah of Education
Depositing User:	Mastura Badzis
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2025 08:15
Last Modified:	17 Dec 2025 08:15
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q1088
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126082

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