Rethinking Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Through Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Conceptual Integration and Narrative Analysis of Inside Out Films.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become central to education, yet many programs emphasize behavioral compliance over internal understanding. This paper proposes reframing SEL through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which views the psyche as a system of protective "parts" coordinated...

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Publicado en:Journal of Creativity in Mental Health Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 436 - 461
Autor principal: Tsarev, Alex
Formato: review tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Jul-Sep2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jul-Sep2026
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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        atl: Rethinking Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Through Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Conceptual Integration and Narrative Analysis of Inside Out Films.
      aug:
        au: Tsarev, Alex
        affil: Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
      sug:
        subj:
          Emotions
          Teaching Methods
          Motion Pictures
          Professional Development
          Compassion
          Self Concept
          Narratives
          Schools
          Curriculum
          Emotional Intelligence
          Implementation Science
      ab: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become central to education, yet many programs emphasize behavioral compliance over internal understanding. This paper proposes reframing SEL through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which views the psyche as a system of protective "parts" coordinated by a compassionate Self. I synthesize systematic reviews of SEL interventions, emerging IFS outcome research, and film-based pedagogy literature to argue for a shift from emotional control to emotional relationship. Pixar's Inside Out (2015) and Inside Out 2 (2024)—developed with emotion-science consultation—are analyzed as pedagogical tools that metaphorically illustrate IFS principles. A clinical vignette demonstrates potential classroom applications. While empirical validation in school settings remains limited, this integration offers a trauma-informed, developmentally responsive framework for adolescent SEL. I conclude with a research agenda for testing IFS-informed approaches in educational contexts.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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