What is Social and Emotional Development?

Social and emotional development is the process of learning and maturing socially, emotionally and academically throughout one's life. 

In other words, it is the individual's ability to express himself/herself, control his/her emotions, communicate effectively, and acquire skills and qualities related to his/her development.

What is Social Development?

Social development is the process of learning behaviors that conform to the principles and values of the society in which the individual lives. The individual gains these skills by establishing relationships with the people around him/her and becomes a social being. Social development is also the process of moral development that examines what is right and wrong. Exhibiting behaviors in accordance with social expectations ensures both social and cultural development of the person.

An individual with well-developed social skills establishes positive relationships with those around him/her and can solve the problems he/she faces in a way approved by the society. In the process of social development, the individual fulfills his/her responsibilities and gains qualities according to his/her perception and perception skills. Since social development is a cycle based on continuity, social skills acquired in the early period facilitate the development of the individual.

Concepts Related to Social Development

1. Self
2. Socialization-Socialization
3. Social Maturity
4. Cultural Characteristics

Self: The concept of self is the way an individual perceives himself/herself. The individual seeks an answer to the question "Who am I?" according to his/her own characteristics and value judgments. Self-development starts among family members and develops through social ties with the environment.

Socialization-Socialization: Socialization is the ability of people to be compatible with the society in which they live. Learning, conditioning, participation and practice are the basic elements that play a role in socialization. It is possible for a person to acquire different qualities by adopting his/her own roles in society.

Social Maturity: Social maturity is the maturity that an individual shows in the society in which he/she lives according to his/her age level. Social maturity is possible with the socialization of the individual. It develops in line with desires, feelings, thoughts and needs.

Cultural Characteristics: The separation of a society from others according to the way it lives is called culture. These characteristics differ from family to family. Being in a certain social class shapes customs and habits.

What is Emotional Development?

Emotional development is a learning process in which an individual perceives and makes sense of what is happening around him/her through the senses. In this perception process, the individual reacts. Active use of the senses will contribute to mental development. The attitude of parents is very important in this process, which starts in the womb and continues at every moment of life. The individual's early adaptation to social life supports emotional development. Inadequate emotional development negatively affects both mental and physical activities.

What is Social and Emotional Development?

Social emotional development is the process of learning and maturing socially, emotionally and academically throughout an individual's life. In other words, it is the individual's ability to express himself/herself, control his/her emotions, communicate effectively and acquire skills and qualities related to his/her development.

Social and emotional development is effective in every period of life, starting from the first moment an individual is born. Being socially and emotionally competent is an important element of being at peace and in harmony with the environment. Competence is always evaluated according to the circumstances. For this reason, the repetition of similar conditions at different time intervals allows the individual's social competence to be evaluated.

Suggestions for Social and Emotional Development

Social and emotional development is one of the areas in which individuals need the most support. A socially and emotionally developed individual can more easily make sense of what is happening around them and express themselves better. So, what can be done for social and emotional development?

• Pay attention to your feelings.
• Focus on your strengths.
• Consider the consequences of negative behavior.
• Avoid negative criticism and ridicule.
• Do not avoid taking responsibility.
• Try to empathize.
• Apologize when necessary.
• Try to make eye contact with the other person.
• Take time for your hobbies.
• Be respectful of ideas and choices.

Development is a continuously progressing whole with mental, sensory, social and physical aspects. The individual continues his/her development from the moment he/she first comes into the world. The skills and qualities acquired in the social environment contribute to both the social and sensory development of the individual. Socialization is as important as education, which starts in childhood and lasts for many years. The phenomenon of socialization, which increases its importance especially in youth, also directs academic success.

To learn more about the importance of social and emotional development in educational success, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: '' Social success and sensory skills are as important as academic success"