Effects of PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) Curriculum with an Islamic Approach on Respect, Empathy and Self-Control of Preschool Children

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) curriculum with an Islamic approach on respect, empathy and self-control of preschool children. The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population of the study comprised Tehrani preschool children in District 5 in academic year 2016-2017. The sample included 31 preschoolers who were randomly selected and then assigned to experimental and control groups by random. The instrument consisted of a self-devised Child Moral Behavior Inventory (with three components of respect, empathy, and self-control). The validity and reliability of the instrument was confirmed through psychometric scales. Data analysis was carried out using multivariate analysis of covariance. Results showed that after controlling the potential influences of the pretest via MANCOVA, the effect of independent variable on dependent variable was significant. More specifically, in posttest the mean scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group in the three components of moral behavior (empathy, self-control and respect) (p