Date
12-15-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Trauma, Resilience, & Self-Care Strategies
Department
Human Services
Abstract
Social and emotional learning (SEL) has become a central focus in early childhood education as researchers and practitioners seek effective, developmentally informed strategies to support children's emotional regulation, resilience, and long-term well-being. This capstone project synthesizes empirical and theoretical research published between 2018 and 2023 to examine the effectiveness of SEL interventions, their role in trauma-informed education, and their potential to mitigate long-term risks associated with early adversity. Findings across multiple studies demonstrate that high-quality SEL programs improve emotional functioning, prosocial behavior, and early academic outcomes, with powerful benefits for children in universally delivered, curriculum-based models. The review also highlights ongoing implementation challenges, including limited educator training, inequitable resource distribution, and the need for culturally responsive frameworks that address systemic inequities. Emerging research positions SEL as a public health and justice-prevention strategy capable of disrupting developmental pathways associated with behavioral dysregulation and later involvement in the criminal justice system. Integrating SEL within trauma-informed, relationally grounded, and equity-centered approaches is essential for maximizing impact. Collectively, this review underscores the importance of sustained investment, cross-system collaboration, and longitudinal research to advance SEL's potential to promote resilience and improve life trajectories for vulnerable children.