APS

2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026

From Skills to Mental Health: Social-Emotional Competencies As Protective Pathways.

Barcelona, Spain · May 2026

Posters · Mental Health in Focus: Symptoms, Support & Intervention

Session: Poster Session V

Authors

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined whether social-emotional competencies (SEC) predict students’ mental health. 1,190 4th–6th graders participated. Multilevel models showed that SEC at Time 1 predicted better mental health at Time 2. Responsible decision-making predicted strengths; interpersonal competencies predicted fewer conduct and peer problems but emotion recognition surprisingly did not.