August 5, 2025Children and adolescents develop social-emotional competence (SEC) over time under the influence of gender-based cultural practices, though evidence is limited on how patterns of gender differences in multiple dimensions of SEC vary across developmental stages and cultural contexts. The current study first examined measurement invariance of an international SEC assessment, the OECD Survey of Social and Emotional Skills, then compared patterns of gender differences in multidimensional SEC across age cohorts and cultural regions. Using self-reported data collected from China, South Korea, Canada, and the United States (N?=?25,454), our analysis identified 48 items measuring six domains of SEC that were invariant across gender, age cohorts, and cultural regions. Interaction analysis with bias-adjusted estimates suggested that each SEC domain showed different patterns of gender difference depending on age cohorts and cultural regions: (1) boys had higher Emotional Control and Optimism, particularly in age 15 cohort, (2) girls had higher Task Performance and Prosociality, particularly in the North American sample, and (3) boys had higher Open-mindedness and lower Leadership in East Asia, but girls had higher Open-mindedness and lower Leadership in North America. We discuss these findings, calling for more research to further explain gender differences in SEC from developmental and cross-cultural perspectives.
Congratulations to Prof. LOU W.Q. Vivian on being recognized among the Healthy Ageing 50 Leaders by the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021?2030). The Healthy Ageing 50 highlights people from every region and sector?government, civil society, academia, and business?whose work is measurably improving the lives, rights, and well-being of older people and advancing the Decade?s priorities: combating ageism, fostering age-friendly environments, and expanding access to integrated and long-term care. Honourees are profiled on the Decade platform to showcase approaches with proven impact and potential to scale, and to catalyse collaboration across countries and disciplines?reflecting Dr. LOU?s leadership in ageing and longevity.
Learn more: https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/topics-initiatives/other-initiatives/healthy-ageing-50#anchor_two
Prof. LAW Y.W. Frances was admitted as a Fellow of the Academy by the Hong Kong Academy of Social Work. The Fellowship is a senior professional honour that recognizes social work leaders with sustained, exemplary contributions to the profession and the community. Fellows are peer?acknowledged for their professional excellence and leadership, ethical standing, impact on practice and policy, scholarship and education, and dedicated service. As a Fellow, Prof. Law is part of a community expected to set standards for the field, champion continuing professional development, mentor the next generation, and help advance the Academy?s mission to strengthen social work quality and public trust in Hong Kong. This recognition affirms her leadership and broad impact across research, practice, and community engagement.
Learn more: https://academy.hkswa.org.hk/zh-HK/membership/information/fellow/