The Role of Theatre in Children’s Personality Development and its Psychological and Educational Significance

Abstract

The development of children’s personality is a multidimensional process influenced by biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Among the various educational and artistic tools that contribute to this process, theatre holds a distinctive position due to its integrative nature, combining emotional expression, cognitive engagement, social interaction, and creative exploration. This article investigates the role of theatre in children’s personality development and examines its psychological and educational significance within formal and non-formal learning environments. Using a mixed-method research design involving experimental and control groups, the study analyzes the effects of structured theatre activities on children’s self-esteem, emotional intelligence, social competence, creativity, and moral reasoning. Quantitative data were collected through standardized psychological assessment tools, while qualitative data were gathered via observations, interviews, and reflective journals. The results demonstrate that children engaged in theatre-based activities show statistically significant improvements in communication skills, empathy, emotional regulation, self-confidence, and collaborative behavior compared to peers in traditional instructional settings. Furthermore, theatre participation positively influences intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and value formation. The discussion interprets these findings within developmental psychology frameworks and educational theory, emphasizing theatre as a transformative pedagogical instrument. The study concludes that theatre is not merely an artistic extracurricular activity but a powerful developmental mechanism that fosters holistic growth in children. Practical implications for educators, policymakers, and psychologists are presented, alongside recommendations for integrating theatre systematically into educational curricula.