Social-emotional competence among vocational students: A gender-based comparative study

Fayruziyah Ifroch Sabtana, Budi Astuti, M. Alvy Syahrin Mi’roj

Abstract

This study aims to analyze differences in social-emotional competencies between female and male students in vocational high schools in West Nusa Tenggara. The background of this study is based on the assumption that gender studies in social-emotional competencies need to be approached critically, rather than simplified into assumptions of natural differences. This study employs a descriptive comparative quantitative method with a sample of 711 vocational students selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulation and Mann–Whitney tests. The findings reveal that the majority of students are in the moderate category (67.4%), indicating that social-emotional competencies are present but not yet optimally developed, while 31.4% fall into the low category, reflecting a substantial proportion of students who still require targeted support. Statistical analysis shows significant gender differences in three SEL dimensions: self-awareness (p = 0.019), self-management (p = 0.000), and relationship skills (p = 0.036), suggesting that gender may influence how students develop and express specific social-emotional competencies. These findings highlight the need for more responsive and inclusive approaches to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) that consider gender-related differences without reinforcing stereotypes. Practically, this implies the importance of designing SEL interventions that are adaptive, equitable, and sensitive to diverse student needs in both instructional and counseling contexts.

Keywords

Social-Emotional Learning; Vocational Education; Gender Differences; Adolescents; School Counseling

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/jdc.v10i1.114582

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