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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

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Kindergarten SEL course improved social-emotional skills

A group of young children engaged in a group activity on a turquoise mat in what appears to be a classroom or school setting, with multiple children participating in interactive play or learning while wearing colorful clothing.
Research area:Developmental psychologyEarly Childhood Education and DevelopmentChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

What the study found

The study found that a classroom-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Basic Course was associated with better social-emotional skills in young children in kindergarten. Children in the intervention group showed higher assertiveness, self-control, and cooperation, and lower behavioral problems.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that classroom-based SEL may be effective in early childhood. They also say 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, ages 4 and 5. Of these, 129 were in the intervention group and 71 were 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 assessed children’s social skills and behavior.

What worked and what didn't

After the program, the intervention group had significantly higher assertiveness, self-control, and cooperation scores than the control group. They also had significantly lower behavioral problem scores after the program than before the program and than the control group.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe longer-term follow-up or other limitations beyond the study scope. The findings are based on one kindergarten setting in Japan and on teacher and parent assessments.

Key points

  • A social-emotional learning basic course was tested in a Japanese kindergarten.
  • Children in the intervention group scored higher in assertiveness, self-control, and cooperation.
  • The intervention group showed lower behavioral problem scores after the program.
  • The program was delivered as 15 weekly one-hour class lessons.
  • The authors describe classroom-based SEL as potentially effective in early childhood.

Disclosure

Research title:
Kindergarten SEL course improved social-emotional skills
Authors:
R. Sasaki Y. Hosokawa, Riho Tomozawa
Institutions:
Kyoto University
Publication date:
2026-01-25
DOI:
10.1016/j.chipro.2026.100286
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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