Empirical evidence supports the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills in
school and life success. However, no study to date has documented growth trajectories of
these critical skills during adolescence. This study examines longitudinal growth trajectories
of self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, and relationship skills
(creating relationships and relationship quality) using data from the 4-H Study of Positive
Youth Development, a diverse sample of over 1500 United States youth beginning at age 10 …