Resources

This issue brief, created by The Pennsylvania State University with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is one of a series of briefs that addresses the need for research, practice and policy on social and emotional learning (SEL). SEL is defined as the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. This brief reviews the current knowledge of school-based programs designed to promote adolescent social-emotional competence (SEC). SEC is reflected in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that young people need to manage thoughts and emotions constructively, regulate their actions, nurture a strong sense of personal and cultural identity, collaborate and resolve interpersonal conflicts, and cultivate healthy relationships.