Mission Statement

Japanese

The purpose of this association is to contribute to the improvement of people’s well-being by striving to research, practice, and promote social-emotional learning (SEL).

SEL is the study of how to recognize and handle emotions, and how to have empathetic and considerate interpersonal relationships with others. It is a process of learning five core skills – self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making – and acquiring the skills necessary to live a better life (CASEL, 2022).

This association values the composition of evidence-based programs and the verification of their scientific effectiveness. In a meta-analysis conducted by Durlak et al. (2011), it was scientifically demonstrated that SEL programs that meet certain criteria are effective in improving mental health, social skills, and academic achievement.

　Since 2009, through the activities of its predecessor, the Japanese Group of Social-Emotional Learning, our association has been deepening exchanges between those involved in childcare and school education for infants and young children, and those with a broad interest in SEL, in terms of SEL research and practice. By becoming a general incorporated association, we are determined to develop SEL in Japan and around the world by valuing our connections with as many people as possible.