Interventions to promote social and emotional learning in children and adolescents

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) understood as a process through which social-emotional competence is developed in its domains of self-consciousness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making is a key predictor for students in their preparation for learning (awareness and activation) and in social-emotional management and regulation. In this line, scientific evidence shows that SEL-based programs improve students’ academic results, psychosocial adjustment, and prevent problematic behaviors in children and adolescents. However, further research is needed on the effectiveness of these interventions. In this sense, the main objective of this symposium is to describe some of the most innovative programmes in the field of promotion of SEL in children and adolescents in Spain. First, Alfonso Moreno-Gómez (Colegio San Gabriel, Madrid) will present data from the evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention based on Mindfulness (Mindkinder Programme) with the aim of promoting school success in children (5-6 years). Secondly, Gema Alhambra (Department of Psychology, UCLM – Universidad de Castilla La Mancha – ) will show results from the Dulcinea-Children Emotional Education Program about social-emotional competencies and academic results in students from 8 to 12 years old. Thirdly, Pablo Luna (Department of Psychology, UCLM) will present data on the impact of a program based on the Sports Education Model on subjective well-being and socio-school adaptation in children from 8 to 12 years old. Finally, Javier Cejudo (Department of Psychology, UCLM), will present results of the effects of the video game “Isolated” on subjective well-being, emotional intelligence trait and mental health of adolescents from 12 to 18 years old.

Dr. Javier Cejudo holds a degree in psychology from the UCM (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 1998), a degree in psychopedagogy from the UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, 2007) and a PhD in Education (UNED, 2015). He is currently a Professor at the Faculty of Education of Ciudad Real (UCLM) teaching in the grades of Primary Education and Infant Education. In addition, he is Vice-Dean of Practices in the Faculty of Education of Ciudad Real. His main line of research is related to the promotion of emotional intelligence education and socio-emotional competencies in the educational field. His doctoral thesis is entitled “Design, development and evaluation of the “Dulcinea” program of emotional education in a secondary school from the integration of emotional intelligence models”. Other current lines of research are the training of teachers in emotional education and psychological well-being. On these topics he has published several articles, books and book chapters, as well as numerous contributions to national and international congresses. On the other hand, he teaches in the Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology (UCLM) in the subject “Emotional intelligence in socio-educational contexts”. He also teaches the Master’s Degree in Emotional Intelligence in Education at the Faculty of Education of the UNED. Apart from his research and teaching work, he has belonged to the Emotional Education Laboratory (EDUEMO) of the UNED since its foundation in 2013.