Findings reveal social-emotional competence predicts depression and life satisfaction in youth via self-determination theory.
Key Points
This research examines the growth profiles of social-emotional competence during upper elementary school years and their impact on mental health outcomes in middle school.
Analyzed five-year panel data from a nationally representative sample of South Korean youth (N = 2607).
Identified three latent profiles of social-emotional competence growth trajectories throughout Grades 4 to 6.
Examined the mediating roles of peer relatedness and academic competence in middle school transition.
Three distinct profiles of social-emotional competence growth were identified.
SEC growth profiles significantly predicted levels of depression and life satisfaction in Grade 8.
Mediation effects were noted for peer relatedness and academic competence during the transition to middle school.