Large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, are becoming increasingly prominent. Their use is becoming more and more popular to assist with simple tasks, such as summarizing documents, translating languages, rephrasing sentences, or answering questions. Reports like McKinsey's (Chui, & Yee, 2023) estimate that by implementing LLMs,…

In this dissertation, I explore the emotional intelligence (EQ) competencies of 19 female student-athletes at one Division III institution. College students are suffering from a collective brain health crisis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Students' social and emotional…

We evaluate two interventions designed to improve students' postsecondary readiness, as measured by their GPA, self-reported career readiness, and self-reported social emotional constructs, in rural districts. Student Success Planning (SSP) was implemented by 17 rural districts in New York and Ohio and included quarterly meetings between students…

This brief provides an overview of the postsecondary readiness-focused interventions that districts partnering with the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) implemented and evaluated through a randomized controlled trial during the 2021-22 school year. NCRERN districts piloted two interventions aimed at improving…

Much research in the field of education has been conducted on strategies to address students' academic and socioemotional needs of students experiencing trauma. The problem addressed in this study was that when students do not receive support for their socioemotional and academic needs related to trauma, they can experience low levels of academic…

This study examined the development of the evaluation of praise that differs in congruence between what the praiser is praising (i.e. effort or ability) and what led the recipient to succeed. Children aged 7 and 8 years (second graders) and 10 and 11 years (fifth graders), as well as adults, made emotional and motivational evaluations about…

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major research trend in the fields of education and psychology. However, several risks posed by this technology concerning the cognitive and socio-emotional development of children and adolescents have been identified. While it would be highly useful to have a clear understanding of these…

To address the need for interventions targeting social emotional development and mental health of young children in South Africa, the "Mazi Umntanakho" ('know your child') digital tool was co-designed, and piloted with caregivers and 3-5-year-old children involved in home visiting programmes promoting early childhood development. The aim…

Parenting styles act as a risk or a protective factor for the development of aggressive behavior problems in children. Moreover, children with deficits in emotion regulation often show increased aggressive behaviors. Previous studies confirm that parenting style also contributes to the development of emotion dysregulation. The present longitudinal…

Although social participation is considered a major facet of inclusion it proves to be particularly challenging for students with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties (SEBD). To avoid the latter's exclusion it is crucial to focus on possible ways of improving the school setting for such learners. Teachers are seen as key actors in…

While intellectual curiosity has been widely studied in the field of child development, interpersonal curiosity and its association with social and emotional skills and well-being has rarely been investigated. This mixed-methods study explored the dimensions of interpersonal curiosity, examined how each dimension was associated with social and…

Early childhood education (ECE) is vital for children's development, especially from birth to age five. Yet, there remains significant variation in teachers' qualifications across different settings and countries. While previous research suggests that teachers' qualifications may influence children's development outcomes in early childhood…

Risky play helps children build resilience, develop prosocial skills, and support lifelong physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, societal overemphasis on safety often limits schools' willingness to embrace risky play. Educators' beliefs about risk, lack of training, and restrictive school policies further reduce opportunities for…

Cultural learning environments and gender roles play a key role in shaping children's development, particularly regarding their social and emotional skills. However, most work on this topic relies on methods that overlook lived experiences and assume high participant literacy, which may not apply to Majority World contexts. To address these…

This study investigated how peer-mediated structured game activities changed and improved peer relations in an inclusive preschool classroom for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A case study was used in which 17 typically developing (TD) children aged 60-71 months, a 66-month-old boy diagnosed with ASD and the preschool teacher…