Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process children, youth, and adults go through to develop the skills to engage with others, manage their emotions, show empathy, handle stress, set goals, make responsible decisions, and in the long run to succeed in work and life. Social and emotional learning can improve students’ academic performance, decrease problem behavior, and increase college and career success.
During the course of this project, 10 issue briefs were prepared that summarize the current research and identify practice and policy implications of social and emotional development in children. Resources were collected for teachers, parents, schools, policymakers and others to support the social emotional development of young people. To see the series, go to Resources.
Duration: 2015 - 2018
Project Funder(s)
Project Focus Area(s)
Developmental Period(s)
Keyword(s)
social and emotional learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process children, youth, and adults go through to develop the skills to engage with others, manage their emotions, show empathy, handle stress, set goals, make responsible decisions, and in the long run to succeed in work and life. Social and emotional learning can improve students’ academic performance, decrease problem behavior, and increase college and career success.
During the course of this project, 10 issue briefs were prepared that summarize the current research and identify practice and policy implications of social and emotional development in children. Resources were collected for teachers, parents, schools, policymakers and others to support the social emotional development of young people. To see the series, go to Resources.
Project Funder(s)
Project Focus Area(s)
Developmental Period(s)
Keyword(s)
social and emotional learning (SEL)
Duration
2015 - 2018
Related Publications
- Social and emotional development matters: Taking action now for future generations
Greenberg, M. T., & Weissberg, R. (2018). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- With a little help from my friends: The importance of peer relationships for social-emotional development
Pepler, D. J., & Bierman, K. L. (2018). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- Applying an equity lens to social, emotional, and academic development
Simmons, D. N., Brackett, M. A., & Adler, N. (2018).University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- Social-emotional development in the first three years
Thompson, R. A. (2018). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- School climate and Social and Emotional Learning
Osher, D., & Berg, J. (2017). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- Promoting social emotional learning in preschool: Programs and practices that work
Bierman, K. L., Greenberg, M. T., & Abenavoli, R. (2016). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- Social emotional learning in elementary school: Preparation for success
Dusenbury, L., & Weissberg, R. P. (2017). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- Parent engagement practices improve outcomes for preschool children
Bierman, K. L., Morris, P. A., & Abenavoli, R. M. (2017). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
- Teacher stress and health: Effects on teachers, students, and schools
Greenberg, M. T., Brown, J. L., & Abenavoli, R. M. (2016). University Park, PA: Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University.
Related Resources
In the News
"With a Little Help from My Friends - The Importance of Peer Relationships for Social-Emotional Development" 
Social-emotional development in the first three years 
Investing in Social-Emotional Learning Forum 
Social and emotional well-being programs may boost academic success 
Parent engagement programs increase student readiness for kindergarten 
Research brief addresses teacher stress and health
