Fostering Emotional Intelligence in the Digital Age: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Mental, Social, and Emotional Intelligence Implementation Under the National Education 5.0 Framework

This research used both qualitative and quantitative research methods (mixed-methods) to study the implementation and integration of mental, social and emotional intelligence competency areas in the context of India's National Education 5.0 framework for transforming the way students learn in the 21st century. The convergent parallel mixed-methods design included an examination of the effectiveness of emotional intelligence intervention activities with 240 secondary school students and 60 educators from six different types of education facilities in the Delhi NCR area. Quantitative data were collected using the Bar-On EQ-i 2.0 and a Custom Social Emotional Learning Assessment Scale. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview processes, focus group discussions, and the use of reflective journals. Descriptive statistics showed significant improvement in the student’s emotional self-awareness (M = 4.73, SD = 0.82), social awareness (M = 4.68, SD = 0.78) and responsible decision-making (M = 4.61, SD = 0.85) after the intervention was completed. The findings of the qualitative thematic analysis resulted in four predominant themes: 1) Enhanced self-regulation capabilities, 2) Improved peer collaboration, 3) Increased academic motivation, and 4) Strengthened teacher-student relationships. The results indicate that systematically implementing and integrating emotional intelligence education within the framework of Education 5.0 enhances students' mental health literacy, social competency and academic engagement. These results indicate that the use of holistic educational practices that support the development of emotional intelligence is critical in preparing students with the skills and capacities necessary to meet the challenges of the complex 21st century. The study contributes to educational policy discourse by providing empirical evidence supporting the integration of social-emotional learning as a fundamental component of India's educational transformation.