Content analysis of elementary school textbooks based on emotion regulation components: a qualitative study in Iran

Background: A high percentage of people suffering from emotional problems emotional regulation strategies guide people in dealing with life events in addition to preventing problems. The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of elementary school textbooks as an essential educational tool based on emotion regulation components. Methods: The present study was a content analysis, and its population consisted of all elementary school textbooks. The primary source for determining the components of mental health was the “comprehensive curriculum of health education in schools from pre-school through to the end of high school,” which was approved by eight mental health experts. Results: In elementary school textbooks, the components of emotion recognition and emotion expression had the highest, and stress management had the lowest information load. The most frequent educational axes pertained to knowledge, while the textbooks lacked the skills axis in the field of emotion regulation components. Conclusion: The results of the analysis showed that each component of emotion regulation is differently addressed. Given that about 35% of children experience stress-related health problems, it appears necessary to address stress coping strategies for children.