Souderton Charter School Collaborative

Positive Psychology and Social Emotional Learning

What is Positive Psychology?
Positive Psychology is a relatively new evidence-based sub-field of psychology. Instead of seeking to "fix" what is wrong, its primary focus is increasing what is right and what can improve an individual's overall quality of life and level of contentment. Several pillars of positive psychology have an influence on the Best Self curriculum such as Reflection, Resilience, and Relationships.

What is SEL?
As defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is "the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions."

According to the Pennsylvania State University and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation research brief Social Emotional Learning in Elementary School, "extensive research shows that SEL programs can promote academic achievement and positive social behavior, and reduce conduct problems, substance abuse and emotional distress. Benefits of SEL in the elementary years have been documented in reviews by independent research teams and through meta-analyses which demonstrate the immediate and long-term positive outcomes of...SEL programming." The SEL video below may be a helpful summary.