Relations between a social emotional learning (SEL) program and changes in resilience, self-esteem, and psychological flourishing in a youth sample

The HEROES program is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative designed to foster resilience, self-esteem, and flourishing in youth through strengths-based, experiential learning. This study evaluated the program’s impact among Grade 7 and 8 students (N = 87) in rural Alberta, Canada, measuring changes at four time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, 2 month follow-up, and 5 month follow-up. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), while self-esteem and flourishing were measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Flourishing Scale (FS), respectively. Repeated-measures ANOVA, using gender as a grouping variable, showed a significant increase in resilience from pre- to post-intervention, which was maintained through 2- and 5 month follow-ups, suggesting sustained program effects. While no significant changes were observed in self-esteem or flourishing scores, minor positive shifts occurred. No gender differences were present across the study variables. These findings indicate that the HEROES program is effective in promoting resilience in youth but may require additional elements to impact self-esteem and psychological flourishing meaningfully. This study contributes to SEL literature by highlighting the potential of school-based interventions to improve youth resilience, with implications for expanding such programs in educational settings. Future research should examine the program's long-term effects and explore how facilitators might optimize outcomes across diverse populations.