Emotional and behavioral benefits of a standardized program with modern board games: a non-inferiority clustered randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Trait emotional intelligence could be enhanced through structured classroom training. Board games have the potencial to be beneficial to emotional outcomes too. Hence, we evaluatied the effectiveness of a board game-based program to enhance emotional intelligence and promoting student inclusion in the classroom. A non-inferiority clustered randomized controlled trial design was implemented. 65 students from four 5th grade classes (average age 11.04 years) were allocated into an experimental group (we applied a 10-week program consisting of theoretical and practial contents regarding emotional regulation using board game-based learning) or in a active control group (we applied the Sociescuela program that is commonly used in educative settings). Both groups were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the TEI-Que questionnaire (trait emotional intelligence) and the Sociescuela test (sociogram and self-esteem estimation of each student). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in emotional intelligence from pre- to post-intervention. The pattern of changes in peer nominations and acceptance was also consistent across groups. However, improvements were not stable after one year of follow-up. Additionally, students in the experimental group considered that the program was more enjoyable than the control group. A classroom-based program utilizing modern board games can effectively enhance emotional intelligence at short-term among students.