<![CDATA[Background: Early adolescence is a crucial developmental stage marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. During this time, adolescents are particularly susceptible to emotional issues and risky behaviours. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills are vital for helping adolescents manage their emotions, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. In Thailand's southern border provinces, multicultural contexts and social stressors can impact adolescents' psychosocial development. Therefore, it is essential to implement culturally responsive interventions to promote SEL among these young people. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a positive role-modeling and empowerment program on the social and emotional skills of early adolescents in the southern border context. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a one-group pretest–posttest design with 30 early adolescents aged 12 to 14 years who were attending an Islamic secondary school in Yala Province, Thailand. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. The intervention involved a three-week program focused on positive role modelling and empowerment, targeting five social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies. Social and emotional skills were assessed using a modified version of the Social Emotional Competence Questionnaire (SECQ). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a paired-sample t-test. Results: The mean social and emotional skills score increased from 69.06 (SD = 11.23) at pre-test to 76.73 (SD = 10.54) at post-test. The paired-sample t-test showed a statistically significant improvement (t = 3.04, p = 0.02). The effect size was moderate (Cohen’s d = 0.56), indicating a meaningful practical impact of the intervention. Conclusion and recommendation: The empowerment program can significantly improve social and emotional skills in early adolescents. It should be implemented in school settings to enhance mental health promotion and positive youth development, particularly in multicultural communities.]]>
