The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs on different youth behavioral outcomes. The previous meta-analysis on school-based SEL programs reported a small but significant effect of SEL on the emotional and behavioral outcomes. We found 33 articles with 37 studies, with 32 742 subjects, comparing an intervention with a control group to assess the effect of SEL program. Results have shown a statistically significant effect size for programs delivering SEL (g = .31). Significant effect sizes were reported for specific outcomes involved in the analysis. Concluding, our meta-analysis supports the previous findings from the scientific literature regarding the impact of SEL programs. Practical implications are discussed.
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