This school adopts an educational approach aimed at developing autonomous, reflective, creative, communicative, and cooperative individuals. The school environment is designed to encourage active learning, innovation, and continuous personal development. The underlying belief is that each student can be the protagonist of their own life, making informed decisions and contributing meaningfully to society. School 1 offers a learning environment that goes beyond mere knowledge transmission, focusing instead on the development of key competencies that empower students to become active, responsible, and innovative citizens.

School 2 promotes an educational environment that emphasizes the holistic development of students, encompassing not only cognitive but also social and emotional aspects. Its goal is to prepare students to face challenges, fostering a proactive, collaborative, and creative mindset. This school stands out for preparing students for the labor market and for shaping conscientious citizens committed to sustainable development and social well-being. Students attending this school are creative, flexible, organized, and collaborative. Upon completing their courses, they are ready to face and overcome the challenges that may arise in their personal and professional lives.

School 3 focuses on the holistic development of its students, emphasizing social, cognitive, and professional skills. It values students’ ability to respond to personal and professional challenges. The school promotes a culture of collaboration, where the integration of all opinions is essential for team success. Its primary goal is to develop committed, creative, flexible, collaborative, conscientious, and competent individuals who can positively contribute to society. Students who choose courses offered by this school are typically attracted to dynamic and varied work environments characterized by constant challenges and opportunities.

It is important to note that the literature review is based on the competencies corresponding to the profiles of the three schools under study.

Social and emotional skills, self-concept, and positive youth development are intrinsically linked and significantly influence one another during the growth process of young individuals (Jaureguizar et al., 2018). Social and emotional skills involve the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions, establish and maintain healthy relationships, make responsible decisions, and cope constructively with challenges (Murano et al., 2021). The development of these skills contributes to the formation of a positive self-concept, encouraging young people to have a clearer and more confident perception of themselves (Zhang et al., 2020). Additionally, Melendro et al. (2020) note that well-developed social and emotional aspects promote psychological well-being, help young people face the challenges of adolescence, and build a healthy identity, which is essential for their positive development.

Following this idea, Alsaker and Kroger (2020) state that there is a significant relationship between social and emotional skills and self-concept, which refers to an individual’s perception of themselves, including self-esteem, self-image, and self-worth. According to Sagone et al. (2020), young people can only manage their emotions and relate well to others if they have a favorable view of themselves. A strong and positive self-concept is fundamental to the healthy development of young people, as it influences how they see themselves and interact with the world (Rogers et al., 2020). As mentioned earlier, self-esteem plays a critical role in the positive development of young people, as it is one of the main pillars for forming a healthy and balanced identity (Alsaker and Kroger, 2020). The perception young people have of themselves directly influences their confidence, decisions, and how they relate to the world around them (Moneva and Tribunalo, 2020).

Positive self-esteem enables young people to feel capable and valued, fostering an optimistic view of their abilities. This is essential for increasing resilience, which is the capacity to face challenges and adversities constructively (Orth et al., 2019). Young people with high self-esteem are more likely to take calculated risks, explore new opportunities, and persist in the face of adversity because they believe in their abilities and have well-defined goals (Luthar et al., 2019). Moreover, self-esteem is closely linked to emotional and mental well-being, and when young people feel good about themselves, they tend to experience less anxiety, depression, and stress (Steiger et al., 2019).

Self-esteem also significantly impacts the school context, as young people who believe in their capabilities feel more motivated, participative, and engaged in educational activities (Miller et al., 2020). Feeling more prepared to face academic challenges, they generally perform better academically and tend to feel more satisfied with the learning process (Tus, 2020). Conversely, low self-esteem increases insecurity, isolation, and emotional difficulties, which can compromise the social and cognitive development of young people (Orth et al., 2019). These feelings of inadequacy can lead to school dropout and risky behaviors, negatively affecting their life trajectories. Students with strong self-esteem tend to become confident, resilient, and socially competent adults, ready to face life’s challenges and contribute positively to society (Steiger et al., 2019).

During adolescence, self-image can undergo substantial transformations as physical appearance, emotions, and behaviors change constantly, influencing how young people are perceived by others (Monell et al., 2022). Self-image is a central component of self-esteem, so the higher it is, the more likely young people are to feel good about themselves. Conversely, a negative self-image can lead to feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and devaluation (Sánchez-Rojas et al., 2022). Based on this premise, Orth and Robins (2022) argue that when young people recognize their value, they build a more robust and resilient self-esteem that supports their decision-making. Self-worth encourages them to achieve their goals and contributes to positive development, facilitating their ability to face the challenges of adolescence and grow into healthy, confident, and resilient individuals (Tomé et al., 2019).

Positive development is a field of study that focuses on promoting the competencies, resources, and qualities necessary for youth to become healthy and productive adults (Bowers et al., 2020). Over time, several models and theories have emerged to understand and guide this process. Without attempting to present all models and theories, the following section will outline those that have been most referenced in the literature over time.

According to Lima (2020), autonomy and curricular flexibility are central concepts in contemporary educational reforms, aimed at making education more tailored to individual student needs and the specificities of each school context. Curricular autonomy refers to the ability of schools and teachers to adapt the curriculum to the needs of their students and the local context (Silva and Fraga, 2021). This may include topics that align with student interests, teaching methods for different learning styles, and/or the integration of projects involving the local community (Carvalho et al., 2023).

Curricular flexibility, on the other hand, relates to the ability to adjust and modify the curriculum to respond to the constant changes in society, technology, and the workforce (Esi, 2024). The organization of content and the creation of varied learning pathways promote an interdisciplinary approach that helps prepare students for an uncertain and dynamic future (Zohar et al., 2024).

The sample consisted of 381 students from three Portuguese vocational schools, aged between 15 and 19 years (M = 14.99, SD = 1.44), of which 55.2% were male.

Social and Emotional Competencies. Social and Emotional Competencies were assessed using a 16-item self-report instrument originally developed by Zych et al. (2018) and later validated for the Portuguese population by Lobo et al. (2019). This tool measures four key dimensions of social and emotional competencies, each essential for personal and interpersonal functioning. These dimensions—Self-awareness, Self-management and Motivation, Social Awareness and Prosocial Behavior, and Decision-making—are designed to provide a holistic view of individuals’ socio-emotional capabilities. Below is a detailed explanation of each dimension, with examples of items and their theoretical underpinnings.

Items: “I know how to classify my emotions”—This item measures an individual’s ability to identify and label their emotions correctly, a critical skill for emotional regulation.

“I can understand why I feel the way I do”—Assesses emotional insight, helping individuals gain deeper awareness of the root causes of their emotions.

Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to navigate their emotional landscape and improve their interpersonal interactions. It plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and contributes to more effective decision-making and self-reflection.

Items: “My goals are clear”—This item evaluates goal-setting ability, which is crucial for maintaining motivation and focus on long-term objectives.

“I can control my emotions when faced with difficult situations”—Assesses the ability to stay composed and manage emotional reactions under stress, which is essential for problem-solving and maintaining resilience.

Self-management is key to emotional resilience, helping individuals remain focused on their objectives and adapt to challenges. It also includes self-motivation, ensuring that individuals remain driven and persistent even in the face of adversity.

“I offer help to those in need”—This item evaluates prosocial tendencies, focusing on an individual’s willingness to engage in altruistic behaviors.

“I can tell when someone is upset, even if they do not say it”—Measures empathetic sensitivity, the ability to understand others’ emotions through nonverbal cues, which is crucial for effective interpersonal relationships.

This dimension fosters social harmony and helps build supportive relationships. It plays a significant role in team collaboration, conflict resolution, and fostering inclusive environments. High social awareness promotes prosocial actions, benefiting both individual and group well-being.

“I do not make decisions carelessly”—Assesses the ability to make well-considered decisions by evaluating the potential consequences before acting.

“I think carefully before making important decisions”—Evaluates reflective thinking and the consideration of multiple factors in decision-making processes.

Decision-making is critical for personal success and effective social functioning. It helps individuals manage life challenges and responsibilities while promoting ethical reasoning and thoughtful consideration of the impact of their actions on others.

Participants respond to each of the 16 items on a five-point Likert scale, where they indicate their level of agreement with each statement: 1: Strongly disagree; 2: Disagree; 3: Neither agree nor disagree; 4: Agree; 5: Strongly agree.

This scale provides a nuanced understanding of participants’ perceived competencies across the four dimensions, enabling a comprehensive assessment of social and emotional skills.

This 16-item scale offers a reliable measure of social and emotional competencies, which are increasingly recognized as vital for success in academic, professional, and personal domains. High levels of these competencies are linked to better mental health, improved academic performance, and more positive social interactions. By using this scale, researchers and educators can assess key areas of socio-emotional development and implement interventions aimed at enhancing these competencies in various populations.

The results were calculated by summing the items, and the higher the value, the more developed the assessed competencies are. In the scale validation study, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were obtained, ranging from 0.67 to 0.87.

Self-concept. The Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS), developed by Piers and Harris (2002), is a widely utilized self-report instrument designed to measure self-concept in children and adolescents. Comprising 60 items, this scale assesses multiple dimensions of self-concept, providing a detailed evaluation of how young individuals perceive themselves across various life domains. The participants respond to each item on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

The first dimension, Behavior, evaluates a child’s perception of their conduct, particularly in structured environments like school. It reflects their self-assessment of discipline, rule-following, and overall behavior. An example item from this dimension is, “I behave well at school,” which assesses the child’s self-perception of their behavior in academic settings, an environment where good conduct is often associated with positive self-concept. Positive self-perceptions in this domain tend to correlate with better academic and social outcomes, whereas negative perceptions can be linked to behavioral problems and lower self-esteem.

The second dimension, Anxiety, captures the child’s feelings of nervousness, worry, and fear in various situations, whether social or personal. An example item is, “I am often afraid,” which measures the child’s tendency to experience fear and anxiety, factors that can negatively impact self-concept and mental health. Elevated levels of anxiety can hinder a child’s overall self-concept, potentially leading to issues with confidence and emotional well-being. This dimension is particularly useful in identifying children who may require emotional support.

Emotional Status, the third dimension, evaluates the child’s perception of their emotional well-being and relationships, focusing on their sense of self-worth and how they feel valued by their peers. An example item is, “My friends like my ideas,” which assesses the child’s perception of acceptance within their peer group. Positive perceptions of emotional status are essential for a healthy self-concept, as children who feel valued by their friends are more likely to have a higher sense of self-worth, whereas negative feelings in this area can lead to feelings of isolation.

The fourth dimension, Popularity, assesses how children view their social standing among peers, including how many friends they have and their overall sense of social acceptance. An example item is, “I have many friends,” which evaluates the child’s perception of their popularity. Social inclusion and popularity are critical aspects of a child’s self-concept, as feeling accepted by peers contributes positively to self-esteem, while feelings of rejection can diminish it.

Physical Appearance, the fifth dimension, assesses how children feel about their looks and physical characteristics. Items in this dimension explore the child’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their appearance. For instance, “I like my appearance” is an item that directly measures body image satisfaction, a crucial component of self-esteem, especially during adolescence when body image issues can profoundly affect self-worth.

Finally, the Happiness-Satisfaction dimension measures the child’s overall sense of contentment with their life. This dimension reflects their general outlook on life and their emotional well-being. An example item, “I am a happy person,” assesses the child’s self-reported happiness. High scores in this dimension typically indicate a positive overall self-concept, while lower scores may point to emotional difficulties.

In summary, the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale provides a comprehensive assessment of self-concept by evaluating behavior, anxiety, emotional status, popularity, physical appearance, and happiness-satisfaction. The tool offers valuable insights into the various facets of a child’s self-perception, contributing to a holistic understanding of their emotional and social development.

The results were obtained by summing all the items that make up each dimension, where a higher value corresponds to a higher level of self-concept among respondents. The original scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.89 to 0.92.

Positive Youth Development. The Positive Youth Development Short Form (PYD-SF) scale, developed by Arnold et al. (2012) and validated for the Portuguese population by Tomé et al. (2019), is a self-report instrument designed to assess key developmental attributes in adolescents. It consists of 34 items that evaluate five core dimensions: Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring. Each of these dimensions provides a comprehensive view of positive youth development by capturing essential aspects of social, emotional, and moral growth. Responses to each item are rated on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

The first dimension, Competence, refers to a young person’s self-perception of their abilities in areas such as academics, social interactions, and physical tasks. An example item, “I am successful in the work I do in the classroom,” reflects the individual’s confidence in their academic achievements. This dimension is essential because high levels of competence contribute to a sense of mastery and self-efficacy, encouraging goal-setting behavior and success in both personal and academic contexts.

The second dimension, Confidence, measures an adolescent’s internal sense of self-worth and overall satisfaction with who they are. For example, “I am very happy with who I am” gauges how comfortable and content the individual feels with their identity. Confidence is closely linked to self-esteem and emotional well-being, making it a critical factor in fostering resilience and a positive outlook on life.

Connection, the third dimension, assesses the strength of an adolescent’s relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. An example item is “My friends care about me,” which highlights the importance of supportive social networks. Positive connections with others are fundamental for fostering a sense of belonging, security, and emotional support, all of which are vital for healthy development.

The fourth dimension, Character, reflects the adolescent’s sense of moral responsibility and ethical behavior. Items such as “I contribute to making the world a better place to live” assess the individual’s commitment to values like honesty, integrity, and social responsibility. Character development is a key component of positive youth development, as it promotes a sense of purpose and helps young people navigate social expectations and moral dilemmas.

Finally, Caring refers to the adolescent’s empathy and compassion toward others. An example item, “It bothers me when bad things happen to others,” captures the individual’s concern for the well-being of others. Caring is integral to developing prosocial behavior and cultivating healthy interpersonal relationships, as it encourages empathy and altruism.

Overall, the PYD-SF scale provides a robust measure of positive youth development by integrating these five dimensions, each contributing to the holistic growth and well-being of adolescents. The scale’s ability to capture these attributes makes it a valuable tool for understanding how young people navigate challenges, build relationships, and develop into capable, confident, and caring individuals.

The internal consistency of the original scale and the Portuguese version presented Cronbach’s alpha indices ranging from 0.73 to 0.96.

Sociodemographic questions (e.g., gender, age) were also included to characterize the sample.

The items from the three questionnaires and the set of sociodemographic questions were entered into Google Forms, and the link was sent to the directors of the three vocational schools, who distributed it to their students. Participants were informed about the research objectives, and it was ensured that the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union would be respected [Regulation (EU) No. 679/2016, of April 26]. Multivariate statistical techniques were employed to analyze the relationships between variables simultaneously. Initially, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the construct validity of the instruments used, followed by an evaluation of their reliability. To confirm the validity of theoretical constructs, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was also performed. This technique allowed for verifying whether the observed data are consistent with the predefined factor structure, i.e., whether the latent constructs proposed in the theoretical model explain the correlations between the observed variables. The model fit, as well as the factor loadings, variances, covariances, and measurement errors, were estimated using the Maximum Likelihood method. To compare means, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine whether the average values of the constructs under study differ significantly depending on the school to which the students belong. Finally, multiple correspondence analysis was employed to reduce the dimensionality of the categorical data set and project the variables and categories into a lower-dimensional space, providing a simplified representation of the students’ profiles across the three schools. All analyses were performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software.

To understand the internal structure of the instruments used for data collection and identify their dimensions, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was conducted (Hair et al., 2018). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) indicators and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were also calculated to ensure that the item correlations were sufficient and appropriate (Marôco, 2021). The extraction of components followed the Kaiser-Guttman criterion, considering the percentage of explained variance (Roni and Djajadikerta, 2021). In the initial phase, all items from the three scales were used, but after the PCA, only items with a correlation greater than 0.40 with the respective factor, a correlation difference greater than 0.20, and at least two associated items were selected. Consequently, only seven dimensions were retained, which were renamed according to the items they comprised: Self-concept (α = 0.74), Self-management (α = 0.74), Decision-making (α = 0.74), Social Awareness (α = 0.68), Self-esteem (α = 0.89), Cooperation (α = 0.86), and Interpersonal Relationships (α = 0.87).

Subsequently, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm that the latent factors were responsible for the behavior of the manifest variables (Alavi et al., 2020). The obtained data were compared with the fit indices recommended by Xia and Yang (2018), and it was verified that the model is well-fitted to the sample data [χ² = 2.09, CFI = 0.94, GFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.05, LO90 = 0.07, HI90 = 0.15].

The exploratory analysis was conducted to understand the factor matrix of the data and to identify patterns, trends, and relationships before proceeding with more rigorous analyses. The CFA aimed to validate the factor structure obtained from the PCA. Both analyses are essential and complementary and should be performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the instruments, thereby guaranteeing the rigor of the obtained results.

Table 1 reports the descriptive statistics of the variables under study for each school. The results showed that students from School 1 had the highest average scores in Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Decision-Making, suggesting that they are balanced and aware individuals. They demonstrate a strong ability to manage their own emotions and behaviors, maintaining organization, discipline, and resilience in the face of challenges. These students work well in groups, promote an inclusive and harmonious environment, and carefully consider all options and their short- and long-term impacts.

School 2 did not stand out in any specific dimension but showed average values above the central point of the scale in all evaluated competencies. Generally, students attending this school have a good self-perception and find it easy to relate to their peers and teachers. They believe in their potential and use constructive criticism to improve weaknesses without feeling demotivated. They demonstrate respect for others’ opinions and feelings and are valuable members in any group.

Lastly, School 3 is where students exhibit the highest levels of Self-Concept, Self-Esteem, Cooperation, and Interpersonal Relationships. These dimensions characterize students who show confidence and self-assurance without excess. They have a balanced view of their capabilities and limitations, allowing them to face challenges with a positive and resilient attitude. These students are empathetic, understanding, communicative, and know how to establish and maintain healthy relationships.

The data analysis also revealed statistically significant differences in Decision-Making [F_(2,378) = 4.157, p < 0.05] and Interpersonal Relationships [F_(2,378) = 4.281, p < 0.05] based on the school attended by the students. A post-hoc analysis revealed that the primary differences in Decision-Making occur between School 1 and School 2, and in Interpersonal Relationships between School 1 and School 3.

The decision-making process was based on a 95% confidence interval, which complements a 5% significance level. Both concepts are closely related, as a 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level provide complementary approaches to determining the presence of significant effects or differences.

To determine the profile of students across the three vocational schools, a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was conducted. To enhance data readability, the dimensions were recoded into Low, Regular, and High categories based on their midpoint (Table 2).

Through Figure 1, it is possible to observe that School 1, located between the third and fourth quadrants, encompasses students who exhibit high levels of Social Awareness and Cooperation. However, these students are situated at a midpoint concerning Decision Making. Consequently, they are diligent, responsible, and attentive to the needs and well-being of others (e.g., peers, friends, family). Additionally, they are sensitive to social dynamics affecting society (e.g., inequalities, social injustices) and are strong advocates for human rights.

In the second quadrant, School 2 is positioned, where students display average levels of Cooperation, Social Awareness, and Interpersonal Relationships. Accordingly, they adhere to the rules and norms established by the school both in the classroom and in other school activities. These students respect teachers and peers, participate in classes, and avoid conflicts.

School 3, situated in the third quadrant, includes students who exhibit high levels in Interpersonal Relationships, Self-Esteem, Self-Management, Self-Concept, and Decision Making. These students actively engage in school and extracurricular activities, demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to the emotions and needs of others, are effective team workers, and contribute to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. They are self-disciplined and capable of meeting deadlines without constant supervision. They maintain a positive outlook on life and positively influence their surroundings, which generally leads to their success.

Despite the positive results, this study has limitations, including its focus on only three schools from a specific private education group, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the assessment of competencies was based on self-reports, which may be influenced by participants’ personal biases. Future studies should consider expanding this research to other schools and regions.

Another limitation pertains to the exclusive use of a quantitative methodology. It is suggested that complementary evaluation methods, such as direct observation and interviews, be included to obtain a more detailed understanding of students’ competencies. Given this, it is pertinent to continue this type of research to ensure the continuous improvement of the educational environment and the holistic development of students. Longitudinal studies are also recommended to track and monitor the development of competencies over time. Comparative studies with data from other countries should be conducted to identify best practices and adapt them to the Portuguese context. Finally, it is important to further investigate how the school environment and the use of new technologies influence students’ competency development.

In a constantly changing world, social and emotional skills are critical to the academic and professional success of young people, as they influence the ability to interact, make decisions, and manage emotions. This study is of paramount importance for assessing the effectiveness of the SER Project, which aims to promote autonomy and curricular flexibility in the three vocational schools analyzed. Evaluating how these elements influence the development of social and emotional skills is essential for understanding whether the project meets the students’ needs. The results, in addition to contributing to the implementation of innovative educational policies, help adapt curricula and teaching methods to the specific needs of students, fostering more comprehensive development aligned with the demands of the labor market. The execution of this study involved a rigorous methodological approach that provided insights which can contribute to improving educational practices and the development of policies better suited to the needs of students.