Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34921555›Full record

SynthesisThe British journal of educational psychology2022

Social and emotional learning in primary schools: A review of the current state of evidence.

Michael Wigelsworth, Lily Verity, Carla Mason, Pamela Qualter, Neil Humphrey

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The British journal of educational psychology, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 22 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
22citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

22 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Trial
  2. Trial
  3. Social and emotional skills of students at Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Gujranwala, Pakistan.Psicologia, reflexao e critica : revista semestral do Departamento de Psicologia da UFRGS · 2026
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  15. Review
  16. Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications.World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) · 2024
    Article
  17. Article
  18. Article
  19. Fundamental Themes in Social-Emotional Learning: A Theoretical Framework for Inclusivity.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2024
    Review
  20. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Michael WigelsworthManchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3361-6293
Lily VerityManchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7339-722X
Carla MasonManchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6037-4950
Pamela QualterManchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6114-3820
Neil HumphreyManchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8148-9500

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThere is a plethora of reviews that summarize much of the evidence base in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). However, there are criticisms around variability of quality and focus of those reviews, meaning there is little strategic overview of the current state of the field. Further, there are rising concerns as to systemic gaps in the evidence base itself. An overview of reviews provides an opportunity for a comprehensive classification and corresponding critique of evidence.

aimsThe study sought to examine a-priori concerns regarding (1) variation in the rigour and quality of the meta-analytic and systematic evidence base, (2) comparatively less conclusive evidence for whole school approaches when compared to class-based curricula, and (3) an assumed universality of effect (i.e., lack of examination of any differential gains for sub-groups). METHOD AND

resultsA systematic search of the systematic and meta-analytic literature identified a total of 33 reviews examining SEL interventions. Papers were subject to a quality assessment in order to examine methodological rigour and were collated in line with the study's objectives.

conclusionsWe maintain the prevailing consensus that SEL programmes have an important role in education. However, variation in evidence quality remains high and there appear ambiguities regarding what constitutes whole school approaches. The review also highlights a novel and concerning lack of data for differentiating any subgroup effects. The review concludes with recommended novel directions for future research, including adoption of more complex trial architecture in evaluation alongside a move towards a wider plurality in methodological approach.

Indexed as

CognitionSchoolsEmotionsHumanspreventionschoolssocial and emotional learningsystematic review

Identifiers

PMID34921555
PMCPMC9540263

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.