The effect of home musical environment on preschoolers’ pro-social behaviors: a chain-mediated model

Music education is particularly valuable for the emotional and personality development of preschoolers. As a primary aspect of preschoolers’ lives, the musical environment at home plays a crucial role in their growth. This study aims to explore the relationship between the home musical environment and the pro-social behaviors of preschoolers, as well as the chain mediating role of parent-child intimacy and preschoolers’ emotional regulation. A total of 1582 parents of preschoolers aged 3–6 years in China were surveyed. The research findings indicate that the home musical environment positively correlates with preschoolers’ pro-social behaviors, with parent-child intimacy and preschoolers’ emotional regulation acting as chain mediators in this model. It is recommended that parents cultivate a positive home musical environment by fostering supportive parental beliefs, providing music resources, and creating a conducive musical atmosphere. Establishing a suitable home musical environment may facilitate a closer relationship between parents and children while also aiding in the regulation of emotions in preschoolers. This, in turn, may be associated with the development of preschoolers’ pro-social personalities.