Conceptualizing and measuring social and emotional learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis of moral reasoning and academic achievement, religiosity, political orientation, personality. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corcoran, Roisin P.; O'Flaherty, Joanne; Xie, Chen; Cheung, Alan C.K.
• Is Part Of: Educational research review. Volume 30(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Defining issues test -- Meta-analysis -- Moral reasoning -- Social and emotional learning -- Social emotional competence; Education -- Research -- Periodicals; 370.7205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.edurev.2019.100285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-938X

Abstract

Abstract: Responsible decision-making is a sub-domain of social emotional competence and develops through the educational process of social and emotional learning (SEL). The current review examines responsible decision-making and explores, specifically, the relationship between moral reasoning (MR) and academic achievement ( N = 6, 992, 18), MR and religiosity ( N = 3, 441, 15), MR and political orientation ( N = 12, 960, 15) and MR and personality ( N = 1, 659, 8). Forty-three studies qualified for inclusion and analysis. The results indicated a positive effect between MR and academic achievement (ES = + 0.24). Interestingly, small negative effects were found between MR and political orientation (ES = - 0.06). Results also indicated small non-significant effects between MR and religiosity (ES = - 0.00, p = .94), and MR and personality (ES = + 0.01, p = .92). Possible interpretations of these findings are discussed with reference to the literature. Highlights: Relationships were explored between MR, AA, religiosity, political orientation, personality. Forty-three studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Results indicated a positive effect between MR and academic achievement. Results indicated non-significant effects between MR and personality, and religiosity. A small negative effect was found between MR and political orientation.