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Published Online: 9 August 2024

Social and Emotional Learning Interventions for Preadolescents and Adolescents: Assessing the Evidence Base

John A. Cosgrove, Ph.D. [email protected], Neha Rao, M.A.P., Preethy George, Ph.D., Tabitha Hoey, M.P.H., Jeffrey Taylor, Ph.D., Tina Marshall, Ph.D., Sushmita Shoma Ghose, Ph.D., and Nikhil A. Patel, M.D.Authors Info & Affiliations

Publication: Psychiatric Services

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20240040

Abstract

Objective:

The social and emotional learning (SEL) framework is widely recognized as being effective for developing social and emotional competencies among students of all ages. However, the evidence for specific intervention models with older student populations is less established. The objective of this systematic review was to rate the evidence supporting the effectiveness of SEL interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes among preadolescents and adolescents.

Methods:

A search of major databases, gray literature, and evidence base registries was conducted to identify studies published from 2008 to 2022 that assessed the effects of SEL interventions on mental health outcomes among students ages 10–19 years. The authors rated the evidence for SEL interventions as high, moderate, or low based on established rating criteria.

Results:

In total, 25 articles reporting on 17 original research studies were reviewed. Sixteen intervention models were assessed, with 11 resulting in improved mental health symptoms; however, no intervention was evaluated in a large enough number of studies to surpass a low evidence rating. Some studies reported cost benefits and high effectiveness of an intervention with students from diverse racial-ethnic or low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conclusions:

SEL interventions can improve mental health outcomes among preadolescents and adolescents. Additional research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for specific intervention models.

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Information & Authors

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Psychiatric Services

History

Received: 24 January 2024

Revision received: 25 April 2024

Accepted: 24 May 2024

Published online: 9 August 2024

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Authors

Details

John A. Cosgrove, Ph.D. [email protected]

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Neha Rao, M.A.P.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Preethy George, Ph.D.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Tabitha Hoey, M.P.H.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Jeffrey Taylor, Ph.D.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Tina Marshall, Ph.D.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Sushmita Shoma Ghose, Ph.D.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Nikhil A. Patel, M.D.

Westat (Cosgrove, Rao, George, Hoey, Taylor, Marshall, Ghose) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Patel), Rockville, Maryland.

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Notes

Send correspondence to Dr. Cosgrove ([email protected]).

Competing Interests

The authors report no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Funding Information

Development of the Assessing the Evidence Base Series was supported by SAMHSA and Westat (contract HHSS283201700031I/75S20322F42003) from 2022 through 2024.The views expressed in this review are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA.

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