Integrating Social-emotional Learning in Chinese Junior High School Art Education to Foster Mental Health

K-12 education in China often overlooks students' emotional development, leading to socialization issues and mental health problems.Social-emotional learning (SEL), originating from the United States, has proven effective in alleviating negative emotional experiences and promoting mental health in children.There is a growing awareness among scholars in China regarding the significance of incorporating SEL into K-12 education.However, research in the specific domains of junior high school students and art education remains limited.This paper explores the potential of art education in infusing SEL, serving as a promising avenue for Chinese junior high school students' emotional development.The paper proposes suggestions for designing art practices that integrate the five core components of SEL while acknowledging the challenges of implementing these practices.Finally, this paper underscores the importance of future scholarly attention to the intersection of SEL, art education, and mental health education to address the mental health issues of Chinese junior high school students, aiming to enhance their mental well-being.