What the study found
The study found that a classroom-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Basic Course was associated with better social-emotional outcomes in kindergarten children. Children in the intervention group had higher assertiveness, self-control, and cooperation scores, and fewer behavioral problems, than the comparison group.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that classroom-based SEL may be effective in early childhood. They also suggest the findings highlight the effectiveness and importance of a universal classroom-based program that promotes social-emotional skills among all children, regardless of individual risk.
What the researchers tested
The researchers studied 200 children in the middle class of a Japanese kindergarten, with 129 in the intervention group and 71 in the control group. In 2023, the SEL Basic Course was delivered class by class in 15 weekly one-hour lessons, and teachers and parents rated children's social skills and behaviors using the Social Skills Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
What worked and what didn't
After the program, the intervention group showed significantly higher assertiveness, self-control, and cooperation than the control group. They also had significantly lower behavioral problem scores after the program than before it and than the control group.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond noting that preventive interventions for school maladjustment in young children are scarce and inadequately validated in Japan. The summary also does not provide information about long-term follow-up or outcomes beyond the kindergarten setting.
Key points
- The SEL Basic Course was delivered in kindergarten classes over 15 weekly one-hour lessons.
- Children in the intervention group scored higher in assertiveness, self-control, and cooperation after the program.
- Behavioral problem scores were lower after the program in the intervention group and lower than in the control group.
- Teachers and parents both contributed ratings of children's skills and behaviors.
- The authors describe classroom-based SEL as potentially effective in early childhood.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Classroom SEL course improved social skills in young children
- Authors:
- R. Sasaki Y. Hosokawa, Riho Tomozawa
- Institutions:
- Kyoto University, Kyoto University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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