This week I decided to look into the connections between Mental Health and wellbeing and Social Emotional Learning. I am curious to find out if there has been research proving that there are definite relations between incorporating social emotional learning in the classroom, and increased mental health of students. 

“Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviours (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students.”

(Durlak et al., 2011)

Social Emotional Learning can improve mental health in several ways. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to understand, manage, and optimize their emotional well-being, students are bound to be more successful in the classroom as well as have a stronger sense of mental health and wellbeing!

Here are some mental health impacts I have found:

• SEL has been proven to decrease depression & stress
• Improves student attitude towards school
• Encourages empathy, kindness & sharing
• Builds resilience and healthy coping skills
• Fosters a safe environment
• Encourages Connection & Collaboration

“SEL provides prerequisite skills necessary for children to be active and successful learners in schools and to have high-quality peer and teacher interactions.“

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED505361.pdf

Social Emotional Learning ultimately provides students with the basics of what they need to be successful humans. Building these habits and enhancing their learning at a young age will overall benefit these students once they become more independent. Learning how important it is to be mindful, be kind, understand how to regulate your own emotions, as well as have a better understanding of other peoples feelings is the key to growing as a person within society.

In conclusion, SEL promotes improved mental health by enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering self-awareness, promoting positive relationships, and equipping individuals with valuable skills to navigate life’s challenges. SEL provides a foundation for emotional well-being and resilience, reducing the risk of mental health problems and enhancing overall quality of life.

“Because we believe that learning flourishes in an environment of trust and connection, we are developing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, shared language, and a school culture that promotes a sense of belonging, encourages positive relationships, and works to develop our understanding of mental health and wellness.”

https://westvancouverschools.ca/hollyburn-elementary/social-emotional-learning-is-all-about-connection/

RESOURCES: 
- https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-students-weissberg-durlak-domitrovich-gullotta
- https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/new-research-published-in-child-development-confirms-social-and-emotional-learning-significantly-improves-student-academic-performance-well-being-and-perceptions-of-school-safety/
- https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-students-weissberg-durlak-domitrovich-gullotta