Multimethod Support for Using the Big Five Framework to Conceptualize Social and Emotional Skills

• In Event: Social Emotional Learning Impacts in Various School Contexts

Abstract

In two studies, we empirically tested whether the Big Five personality framework is a viable option for social and emotional learning (SEL), as some have argued. In Study 1, we factor analyzed students’ responses to a Big Five measure and a measure of social and emotional skills (SE skills). A five-factor solution emerged resembling the Big Five, and the SE skills loaded on one or more of the Big Five factors. In Study 2, we used an expert consensus approach, having experts rate the relatedness between SE skills and Big Five definitions. Each SE skill was judged to be related to at least one Big Five trait. Implications for the field of SEL are discussed.

Authors

• Kate Walton, ACT, Inc.

• Dana Murano, ACT, Inc.

• Jeremy Burrus, ACT, Inc.