Exploring the Relationship Between Social-Emotional Learning Skills and Peer Perception of Leadership in Middle School Youths

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: Social and Emotional Learning Development in Preschool, Elementary School, and Middle School

Abstract

Adolescent years serve as a critical cognitive window to youth leadership development; however, leadership literature has almost exclusively focused on adults. SEL is an important skill set in leadership and the highest-performing leaders have significantly higher “emotional competence” than their counterparts. Fortunately, like any other literacies, SEL competencies and leadership skills can be taught and learned. The current study is part of a larger SEL intervention study to help middle school students develop positive purpose and SEL skills. Since no prior studies have explored the relationship between SEL and youth leadership in school settings, this study addresses this gap, with the expectation that peer-nominations for leadership would be positively associated with students’ SEL. Other sociodemographic variables (gender, language) are discussed.

Authors

• Angela Weiyi Wang, Rutgers University

• Maurice J Elias, Rutgers University

• Maria Xu, Rutgers University