SOCIO-EMOTIONAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: A Theoretical Orientation

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Socio-emotional and character development (SECD) research is rapidly expanding across multiple disciplines.
• A critical issue in SECD is the heterogeneity in definitions, theoretical models, measurement approaches, and program designs.
• This inconsistency hinders consistent progress and effective evaluation in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the heterogeneity in socio-emotional and character development (SECD) research.
• To recommend a unifying theoretical framework for SECD programs.
• To enhance the consistency and effectiveness of SECD research and program evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of existing socio-emotional and character development (SECD) literature.
• Identification of a suitable theoretical model to promote consistency in SECD research.
• Analysis of the advantages and applications of the proposed theory for SECD programs.

Main Results:

• The Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI) is proposed as a unifying framework for SECD research.
• TTI offers a robust mediation and moderation model integrating risk and protective factors.
• TTI encompasses all educational stakeholders (youth, schools, families, communities) and is empirically supported.

Conclusions:

• The Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI) can provide much-needed consistency in socio-emotional and character development (SECD) research.
• TTI serves as a valuable resource for designing and evaluating SECD programs.
• Further research should focus on improving SECD etiology studies and program design/evaluation using TTI.