A literature review by researchers from the Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH) and the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) highlights the importance of psychological safety for students' engagement and achievement at school.
The article, which is the result of the Let's Care project, shows that emotional well-being and the sense of security provided by positive relationships with parents and peers are fundamental pillars for students' academic performance and involvement in school activities.
The research suggests that a strong attachment base with caregivers - which enhances emotional well-being and security - leads to significant improvements in students' academic performance.
“Developing secure relationships with meaningful people”
The authors of the paper state that "developing secure relationships with significant people in students' lives has a direct impact on their educational development". This conclusion reinforces the urgency of a school approach that includes support for families, with increased school-family collaboration to strengthen students' support networks.
Given the importance of peer relationships, the study suggests that the development of pupils' social skills through initiatives such as cooperative activities and the promotion of assertiveness, which foster harmonious co-existence and an environment of mutual respect and understanding, is fundamental.
A Safe Education Model
The article The role of socio-emotional security on school engagement and academic achievement: systematic literature review, published in Frontiers in Education, is one of the systematic reviews carried out as part of the Let's Care project, which aims to contribute to the definition of a Safe Education Model. This model provides tools and strategies for creating safer and more inclusive schools.
The article is signed by Pedro Dias (CEDH and University of the Azores), Lurdes Veríssimo and Alexandra Carneiro (CEDH and FEP-UCP) and Raquel Duarte (FEP-UCP).