Tabletop role-playing games and social and emotional learning in school settings

Abstract

Schools globally face increasing pressure to integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) alongside traditional curricula, a challenge intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on Bandura's social learning theory and existing research, this paper examines how tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) can serve as effective, low-cost interventions for developing critical SEL competencies across diverse student populations. While TRPGs are established tools in therapeutic settings for building self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and decision-making abilities, their potential in educational contexts remains underexplored. We analyze how TRPGs can be systematically implemented across all three tiers of school-based SEL interventions, with particular emphasis on their untapped potential in Tier 1 and 2 settings. The paper demonstrates how TRPGs provide students with structured opportunities to practice social skills, emotional regulation, and collaborative problem-solving within a safe, engaging environment. By examining implementation challenges and successful adaptations in various educational contexts, including international examples, we offer practical insights for educators seeking to integrate TRPGs into existing SEL frameworks. This review addresses a significant practice gap by bridging therapeutic and educational applications of TRPGs while providing evidence-informed recommendations for school-based implementation.