International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE)
Vol 15, No 5: October 2026

Social emotional learning in artificial intelligence-driven education: a bibliometric and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis

Fatin Syamilah Che Yob (National Defence University of Malaysia)
Rita Wong Mee Mee (National Defence University of Malaysia)
Emily Abd Rahman (National Defence University of Malaysia)
Lim Seong Pek (INTI International University Malaysia)
Wong Yee Von (Universiti Selangor)
Cathy Mae Toquero (Mindanao State University)
Karen Joy B. Talidong (Sultan Kudarat State University-ACCESS Campus)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Oct 2026

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education has transformed how social emotional learning (SEL) is conceptualized, yet a comprehensive understanding of it is research trajectory and strategic implications remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining influential SEL research within AI-driven educational contexts. A mixed analytical approach was employed, combining bibliometric performance analysis and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis. Using the Scopus database, publications from 2016-2025 were systematically identified according to PRISMA procedures, and the 10 most-cited articles were selected for in-depth evaluation. The findings reveal three dominant research orientations: critical policy discourse, pedagogical integration of SEL, and emerging AI-driven innovations. The SWOT analysis highlights strengths in AI-enabled personalization and engagement, as well as opportunities for adaptive emotional learning environments. However, weaknesses related to limited empirical validation and threats concerning ethical risks, emotional surveillance, and algorithmic bias persist. The study concludes that while AI presents transformative potential for SEL, its implementation must remain human-centered and ethically grounded. These findings offer important implications for educators, policymakers, and future research in developing responsible AI-supported SEL frameworks.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJERE

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) is an interdisciplinary publication of original research and writing on education which publishes papers to international audiences of educational researchers. The IJERE aims to provide a forum for scholarly understanding of ...