KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Health Nexus 4 Serial Number 14 2026 01 01 Effects of Structured Play Interventions on Self-Esteem, Physical Competence, and Psychological Well-Being in Children Effects of Structured Play Interventions on Self-Esteem, Physical Competence, and Psychological Well-Being in Children 1 11 10.61838/kman.hn.5114 EN Journal Article 2025 10 21 <p>Structured play has been proposed as an effective approach to enhance both physical and psychological health in children. However, empirical evidence on its impact on self-esteem, physical competence, and psychological well-being remains limited. This study examined the effects of an eight-week structured play intervention on self-esteem, physical competence, and psychological well-being in children aged 8–11 years. A total of 68 children were recruited from primary schools and assigned to either a structured play intervention group (n = 34) or a control group (n = 34). The intervention consisted of twice-weekly 45-minute sessions incorporating skill-based activities, cooperative games, and reflection periods. Outcomes were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (child-adapted), Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children, and KIDSCREEN-27 for psychological well-being. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using ANCOVA, controlling for baseline scores, with effect sizes reported as partial eta squared (η²p). ANCOVA revealed significant intervention effects on all outcomes. Self-esteem improved significantly in the intervention group compared to controls (F(1, 65) = 18.42, p &lt; 0.001, η²p = 0.22). Similarly, perceived physical competence (F(1, 65) = 32.15, p &lt; 0.001, η²p = 0.33) and psychological well-being (F(1, 65) = 24.87, p &lt; 0.001, η²p = 0.28) increased significantly. Paired-sample t-tests confirmed pre- to post-intervention improvements in the intervention group (all p &lt; 0.001), whereas changes in the control group were non-significant. Structured play interventions are effective in enhancing self-esteem, physical competence, and psychological well-being in children, highlighting their potential for promoting holistic development in school and community settings.</p> https://www.journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/Health-Nexus/article/download/5114/9255