Transformative Social and Emotional Learning in a Youth Mental Health Advocacy Committee

• In Event: AER Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Factors Influencing Development of Social Emotional Learning in Youth

Abstract

Amid growing youth mental health challenges and inequities, young people must be part of the conversation in developing mental health solutions. This qualitative case study examines a student-led, district-wide mental health advocacy committee to illustrate transformative social-emotional learning (tSEL) competencies in this extracurricular youth-led space. Drawing on interviews and observations, findings show how participation in the committee fosters all five tSEL competencies– identity, belonging, agency, collaborative problem-solving, and curiosity– while also highlighting persistence and creativity as essential for youth-led change. This research expands the tSEL literature by offering new insights for fostering youth leadership and justice-oriented citizenship through mental health advocacy.

Author

• Rebecca S. Levine, University of California - San Diego