"Nandur Kabecikan, Ngundhuh Kawibawan”: A Conceptual Review of School Children's Self-Confidence in The Perspective of Javanese Cosmology and Transcultural Nursing
Keywords:
self-confidence, Javanese culture, school children, Javanese cosmology, transcultural nursingAbstract
Background: School children's self-confidence is commonly measured using indicators of assertiveness and verbal initiative derived from individualistic psychology. However, in Javanese culture, self-confidence is expressed through social harmony, proper manners, and self-control, which are often misunderstood as low self-esteem. The philosophy of nandur kabecikan, ngundhuh kawibawan (planting goodness, harvesting dignity) provides an alternative perspective that views self-confidence as a result of cultivating goodness that eventually leads to dignity and social recognition. Objective: This literature review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence regarding the construction of school children's self-confidence within Javanese cosmology and identify its implications for transcultural mental health nursing. Methods: A literature review was conducted on empirical articles published between 2014 and 2024. Literature searches were performed through Google Scholar, Garuda, Neliti, DOAJ, and Scopus databases. From 46 identified articles, six relevant studies examining self-confidence, self-esteem, and psychological well-being among children and adolescents with Javanese cultural backgrounds were included. Data were analyzed using a narrative-thematic approach. Results: Three themes emerged: internal foundations through self-compassion and self-regulation; socialization processes through parenting and family affection; and cultural identity outcomes reflected in psychological well-being and self-esteem. These findings indicate that self-confidence is relational, moral, and context-dependent. Self-confidence among Javanese children develops through family-based cultivation of goodness and results in socially recognized dignity rather than self-promotion. Conclusion: Transcultural mental health nursing should incorporate culturally relevant values in assessment and intervention.
