Differences in Subjective Well-Being Among Early Childhood Education Teachers in Indonesia and Malaysia

Strategic Insights -

A recent study by researchers from Universitas Islam Negeri has shed light on the differences in subjective well-being among early childhood education (ECE) teachers in Indonesia and Malaysia. The study, published in the Jurnal Iqra': Kajian Ilmu Pendidikan, involved a total of 200 ECE teachers from both countries. The research found that teachers in Malaysia reported higher levels of subjective well-being compared to their Indonesian counterparts, highlighting the importance of cultural and educational policies in influencing teacher well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant difference in subjective well-being scores between ECE teachers in Indonesia and Malaysia, with Malaysian teachers reporting higher levels of well-being (p = 0.015).
  • Regression analysis revealed that years of service negatively affected subjective well-being, indicating that longer tenure is associated with lower well-being in both countries.
  • Cultural and educational policies were found to influence subjective well-being, suggesting that context-sensitive policy interventions are necessary to address teacher well-being.
  • The study addressed a significant research gap by providing cross-national evidence on subjective well-being among ECE teachers in Southeast Asia.
  • The research highlighted the importance of considering contextual factors such as social support and work-life balance in addressing teacher well-being.
  • Teguh Fachmi, a researcher from Universitas Islam Negeri, and Seah Siok Peh, Rohman, are among the co-authors of the study.

Statistics:

  • 200 ECE teachers from Indonesia and Malaysia participated in the study.
  • The researchers found a significant difference in subjective well-being scores between the two countries, with Malaysian teachers reporting higher levels of well-being (p = 0.015).
  • Regression analysis revealed that years of service negatively affected subjective well-being, with a correlation coefficient of -0.21.
  • The study was published in Jurnal Iqra': Kajian Ilmu Pendidikan in 2025, Volume 10, Issue 2.

Sources:

  • Beyond the Classroom: A Comparative Study of Subjective Well-Being Among Early Childhood Teachers in Indonesia and Malaysia. Jurnal Iqra': Kajian Ilmu Pendidikan, 2025,10(2). (Jurnal Iqra': Kajian Ilmu Pendidikan - http://journal.iaimnumetrolampung.ac.id/index.php/ji/index).
  • Universitas Islam Negeri Researchers Illuminate Research in Education (Beyond the Classroom: A Comparative Study of Subjective Well-Being Among Early Childhood Teachers in Indonesia and Malaysia). Education Letter. September 3, 2025; p 633.