New Research Article Published: Tabletop Roleplaying Games and Social-Emotional Learning in Schools
Roll Play and Grow is thrilled to announce the publication of our latest research article, Tabletop Roleplaying Games and Social-Emotional Learning in School Settings, featured in the journal Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy!
This work represents an important step in expanding the evidence base for using tabletop roleplaying games (TRPGs) as a tool for fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) in educational environments. As advocates for play-based learning and structured storytelling, we are excited to contribute to the growing body of research demonstrating how TRPGs can support students in developing essential SEL skills such as:
🔹 Self-Regulation – Managing emotions and impulses in a dynamic, cooperative setting
🔹 Self-Awareness – Recognizing personal strengths, weaknesses, and emotional responses
🔹 Social Awareness – Understanding perspectives, empathy, and group dynamics
🔹 Responsible Decision-Making – Navigating in-game moral dilemmas and consequences
🔹 Relationship Skills – Building teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution abilities
Our research explores how TRPGs provide an immersive, low-risk environment where students can practice these skills while engaging in collaborative storytelling. Through structured narratives, character interactions, and guided reflection, TRPGs offer a unique approach to SEL that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction.
At Roll Play and Grow, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between gaming and social-emotional development, offering educators and mental health professionals tools to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. With this publication, we are proud to reinforce the growing recognition of TRPGs as a valuable educational tool.
We invite educators, therapists, and game facilitators to explore this research and consider how roleplaying games can be integrated into school-based SEL programs. This is just the beginning—our team is committed to continuing this research, developing new resources, and helping more professionals use TRPGs to make a difference in students’ lives.
Stay tuned for more updates as we push forward in our mission to grow the world of game-based learning!
📖 Want to read the full study?
💬 Join the conversation! Have you used TRPGs in your school or therapy practice? We’d love to hear your experiences—share your thoughts in the comments!