A meta-analytic study investigating the efficiency of socio-emotional learning programs on the development of children and adolescents

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs on different youth behavioral outcomes. The previous meta-analysis on school-based SEL programs reported a small but significant effect of SEL on the emotional and behavioral outcomes. We found 33 articles with 37 studies, with 32 742 subjects, comparing an intervention with a control group to assess the effect of SEL program. Results have shown a statistically significant effect size for programs delivering SEL (g = .31). Significant effect sizes were reported for specific outcomes involved in the analysis. Concluding, our meta-analysis supports the previous findings from the scientific literature regarding the impact of SEL programs. Practical implications are discussed.