What are socio-emotional skills and how to acquire them?

Socioemotional skills are one of the pillars of human development and determine how we interact with others, manage our emotions, and make decisions in our personal and professional lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNESCO, these skills are essential for well-being and success in various aspects of life. The concept has gained even more relevance with advances in neuroscience, which show that the brain is plastic and can be trained to enhance competencies such as empathy, resilience, and emotional self-management. Recent studies from universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford indicate that these skills can be developed through daily practices and specific methodologies, such as those proposed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos with his MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) and ThM (Theater Movement) methods, which combine neuroscience, theater, and psychology to enhance learning and human development.

Emotional intelligence, a concept widely popularized by Daniel Goleman, is at the core of socioemotional skills. Goleman identified five fundamental competencies: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Self-awareness involves recognizing our own emotions and understanding how they influence our behaviors. Self-regulation allows us to control impulses and instinctive reactions, while motivation drives us to achieve goals and persist in the face of challenges. Empathy, in turn, enables us to understand others' feelings, strengthening our interpersonal relationships. Finally, social skills encompass communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Developing these competencies significantly improves how we relate to the world and make conscious and effective decisions.

One of the most effective ways to acquire socioemotional skills is through theater practice, as demonstrated by research in neuroscience and education. The ThM (Theater Movement) method, for example, uses body expressiveness and dramatization as tools to develop empathy and assertive communication. When a person embodies a character, they experience different emotional and cognitive perspectives, strengthening their ability to understand and connect with others. Additionally, theater practice improves self-confidence, reduces social anxiety, and enhances emotional intelligence. Studies from New York University indicate that exposure to theater and dramatization stimulates brain areas responsible for social cognition, aiding in the improvement of empathy and the ability to interpret others' emotions.

Another crucial aspect of developing socioemotional skills is mindset training, a concept introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck. According to Dweck, individuals with a "fixed mindset" tend to believe that their abilities are innate and unchangeable, while those with a "growth mindset" understand that they can develop new competencies through effort and continuous learning. The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) method, created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, integrates this approach with theater as a transformation tool. It proposes that by playing different roles and experiencing new perspectives, individuals strengthen their growth mindset and learn to better handle challenges and adversities. The practical and reflective action promoted by theater allows the internalization of new ways of thinking and reacting, making learning deeper and more lasting.

Neuroscience also suggests that meditation and mindfulness practices are highly effective strategies for developing emotional self-regulation. Studies conducted at Harvard University have shown that regular meditation practice alters brain structure, increasing the thickness of the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and self-control) and reducing amygdala activation (related to fear and stress). Practicing mindfulness, which means being fully present in the moment, helps increase emotional resilience and reduce impulsive responses in difficult situations. Incorporating simple breathing and mindfulness exercises into daily life can be a powerful initial step in developing emotional intelligence.

Besides theater and mindfulness, another essential strategy for strengthening socioemotional skills is practicing active listening. Often, we listen to respond rather than truly understand what the other person is saying. Active listening involves giving full attention to the speaker, asking questions to clarify ideas, and demonstrating genuine interest. Research from Stanford University indicates that individuals who practice active listening have better interpersonal relationships, higher job satisfaction, and are more effective in conflict resolution. To develop this skill, it is important to avoid interruptions, rephrase the speaker's statements to confirm understanding, and practice empathy by putting oneself in the other person's shoes.

The development of socioemotional skills is also linked to the habit of practicing gratitude and self-reflection. Studies from the University of California have shown that people who cultivate the habit of expressing gratitude have lower levels of stress and depression, as well as a greater sense of well-being. Writing a gratitude journal or simply setting aside a moment of the day to reflect on positive aspects of life can reconfigure brain patterns and strengthen emotional resilience. The constant practice of reflecting on challenges faced and lessons learned contributes to a more positive and adaptive mindset.

Another crucial factor in socioemotional development is engaging in collaborative activities. Working in teams, whether in academic projects, sports, or volunteer activities, stimulates cooperation, communication, and empathy. Collaboration requires learning to handle different opinions, resolve disagreements constructively, and work towards a common goal. A study from the University of Chicago reveals that teams with high levels of emotional intelligence are more effective and innovative because their members can manage conflicts productively and maintain a positive work environment.

Finally, it is essential to understand that socioemotional skills are acquired and improved throughout life. Like any other competency, they require practice, effort, and continuous dedication. Using proven methods such as MAT and ThM can accelerate this process and provide deeper and more meaningful learning. Incorporating small changes into daily routines, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising active listening, and cultivating gratitude, is already a significant step toward developing these skills. Investing in socioemotional development not only improves our relationships and quality of life but also makes us individuals better prepared for the challenges of the contemporary world. After all, emotional intelligence is one of the keys to success and a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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