APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING DISCIPLINE AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS IN STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Authors

  • Hielda Choirun Nisa Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Hitta Alfi Muhimma Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Ganes Gunansyah Universitas Negeri Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36526/sosioedukasi.v15i2.8080

Keywords:

social-emotional learning, discipline strategies, behavioral interventions, school-based programs, student competencies

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines evidence-based approaches and strategies for enhancing discipline and social-emotional skills in students across various educational settings. The review synthesizes 28 empirical studies published between 2021 and 2025, encompassing meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and mixed-methods investigations. Key findings reveal that universal social-emotional learning (SEL) programs demonstrate significant positive effects on student competencies, behavioral outcomes, school climate, and academic achievement. Mentalization-based interventions, emotion regulation training, and whole-school approaches show promise in reducing disruptive behavior and fostering prosocial development. Evidence-based classroom management programs and structured SEL curricula emerge as effective strategies for integrating discipline support with competency development. Implementation quality, teacher self-efficacy, family involvement, and autonomy-supportive teaching practices are identified as critical moderating factors. The review highlights persistent challenges including the need for culturally responsive adaptations, longitudinal outcome measurement, and differential effectiveness for students with special educational needs. Recommendations emphasize the importance of tiered support systems combining universal prevention with targeted interventions, professional development focused on implementation fidelity, and systematic monitoring of discipline indicators alongside social-emotional competencies. This review provides educators, policymakers, and researchers with comprehensive guidance for selecting, implementing, and evaluating integrated approaches to discipline and social-emotional learning.

References

Almardiyah, A. Z., Agustiningsih, R. D., & Husnaini, R. (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Multidimensional Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs in Reducing School Bullying: A Global Systematic Literature Review of Primary and Secondary Education Interventions (2014-2024). IJIP : Indonesian Journal of Islamic Psychology. https://doi.org/10.18326/ijip.v7i2.4973

Ballard, S., & Bender, S. (2021). A systematic review of social, emotional, and behavioral interventions and outcomes for students in alternative education. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 66, 136–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/1045988x.2021.1980850

Bergin, C., Tsai, C.-L., Prewett, S., Jones, E., Bergin, D., & Murphy, B. (2024). Effectiveness of a Social-Emotional Learning Program for Both Teachers and Students. AERA Open, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584241281284

Bulotsky-Shearer, R., Ehrenreich-May, J., Morris, C., Mullins, C., Lerner, B., Howe, E., Bailey, J., Gruen, R., & Gonzalez, A. (2025). Making connections for children and teachers: using classroom-based implementation supports for teaching Pyramid Model practices in Head Start programs. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1488405

Carpendale, E., Green, M., Dix, K., Tzoumakis, S., Williams, K., White, S., Carr, V., & Laurens, K. (2025). An exploratory evaluation of universal social-emotional learning programs delivered during elementary school to Australian students. Journal of School Psychology, 110, 101447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2025.101447

Chelouche-Dwek, G., & Fonagy, P. (2024). Mentalization-based interventions in schools for enhancing socio-emotional competencies and positive behaviour: a systematic review. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 34, 1295–1315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-024-02578-5

Cipriano, C., Strambler, M., Naples, L., Ha, C., Kirk, M., Wood, M., Sehgal, K., Zieher, A., Eveleigh, A., McCarthy, M., Funaro, M., Ponnock, A., Chow, J., & Durlak, J. (2023). The state of evidence for social and emotional learning: A contemporary meta-analysis of universal school-based SEL interventions. Child Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13968

Collie, R., Martin, A., Renshaw, L., & Caldecott-Davis, K. (2024). Students’ perceived social-emotional competence: The role of autonomy-support and links with well-being, social-emotional skills, and behaviors. Learning and Instruction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2023.101866

Davis, K., Nation, M., Christopher, C., & Fisher, B. (2024). The Role of Social Emotional Competencies in Student Discipline and Discipline Disparities. Journal of School Violence, 23, 250–263. https://doi.org/10.1080/15388220.2023.2297040

Gaspar, M., Seabra-Santos, M., Relvão, J., Pimentel, M., Homem, T., Azevedo, A., & Moura-Ramos, M. (2024). Implementation in the “real world” of an evidence-based social and emotional learning program for teachers: effects on children social, emotional, behavioral and problem solving skills. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1198074

Green, A., Ferrante, S., Boaz, T., Kutash, K., & Wheeldon-Reece, B. (2021). Social and emotional learning during early adolescence: Effectiveness of a classroom‐based SEL program for middle school students. Psychology in the Schools. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22487

Gunawardena, M., & Koivula, M. (2023). Children’s Social–Emotional Development: The Power of Pedagogical Storytelling. International Journal of Early Childhood, 56, 625–646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-023-00381-y

Hassani, S., & Schwab, S. (2021). Social-Emotional Learning Interventions for Students With Special Educational Needs: A Systematic Literature Review. 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.808566

Kołodziejczyk, J., Kołodziejczyk, J., & Walczak, B. (2025). An evaluation of social and emotional learning-based program for kindergarten and primary schools in Poland. Scientific Reports, 15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08494-1

Konadu, B. O. (2025). Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) of Students: Effective SEL programs and how They Increase Academic Success. American Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajiri.v4i3.5591

Krammer, M., Paleczek, L., & Reitegger, F. (2025). School context matters! The impact of school tracking and classroom factors on the behavioural development of 5th and 6th graders in Austria. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.70044

Martinez-Yarza, N., Solabarrieta-Eizaguirre, J., & Santibáñez-Gruber, R. (2024). The impact of family involvement on students’ social-emotional development: the mediational role of school engagement. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 39, 4297–4327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00862-1

Nasution, N., Agustina, O. D., Gunansyah, G., Mariana, N., & Puspita, A. M. I. (2025). Implementation of Social Emotional Learning In Elementary Schools Within the Merdeka Curriculum. Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education, 4(2), 160–169. https://doi.org/10.56916/jirpe.v4i2.1216

Pedrini, L., Meloni, S., Lanfredi, M., & Rossi, R. (2022). School-based interventions to improve emotional regulation skills in adolescent students: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescence. https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.12090

Phinla, W., Phinla, W., & Mahapoonyanont, N. (2025). Development of a community-based social studies learning model combined with project-based learning to promote disciplined behavior and responsibility for learning among primary school students in a small school. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies. https://doi.org/10.53894/ijirss.v8i3.7320

Sindiani, M., Schroeder, H. B., & Dunsky, A. (2025). Social-emotional learning in physical education classes at elementary schools. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1499240

Sobirovna, R. (2025). Psychological factors in the development of social-emotional competencies of primary school children. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies. https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v3i3.3425

Ștefan, C., Dănilă, I., & Cristescu, D. (2022). Classroom-Wide School Interventions for Preschoolers’ Social-Emotional Learning: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Programs. Educational Psychology Review, 34, 2971–3010. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-022-09680-7

Strnadová, I., Danker, J., Dowse, L., & Tso, M. (2023). Supporting students with disability to improve academic, social and emotional, and self-determination and life-skills outcomes: umbrella review of evidence-based practices. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 28, 3606–3622. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2023.2221239

Tinnes-Vigne, M., Houssemand, C., Guay, F., Poncelet, D., & Dierendonck, C. (2025). Understanding the Use of Social and Emotional Learning in Elementary Schools: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15040048

Wigelsworth, M., Verity, L., Mason, C., Qualter, P., & Humphrey, N. (2021). Social and emotional learning in primary schools: A review of the current state of evidence. The British Journal of Educational Psychology, 92, 898–924. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12480

Downloads

Published

2026-05-31

How to Cite

Choirun Nisa, H., Hitta Alfi Muhimma, & Ganes Gunansyah. (2026). APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING DISCIPLINE AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS IN STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. SOSIOEDUKASI : JURNAL ILMIAH ILMU PENDIDIKAN DAN SOSIAL, 15(2), 1444–1458. https://doi.org/10.36526/sosioedukasi.v15i2.8080