Introducing the Socio‐Emotional School Experiences Adaptation ( <scp>SESEA</scp> ) model: A theoretical integration of emotions, social relationships and the experience of learning

BACKGROUND: Social and emotional experiences play a central role in the daily lives of both students and teachers. Although emotions and social relationships are deeply interwoven-each shaping and reinforcing the other-emotional experiences and social dynamics are still considered largely in isolation, with limited attention being given to contextual, interpersonal and individual factors that influence them. AIMS: Accordingly, this paper introduces the Socio-Emotional School Experiences Adaptation (SESEA) model, a novel theoretical framework that conceptualizes socio-emotional experiences in educational settings as dynamic, context-sensitive, adaptive responses to a range of interacting influences. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Drawing on theories from psychology, pedagogics, social sciences and medicine-such as Control-Value Theory, Self-Determination Theory and the Social-Emotional Adaptation model, the SESEA model identifies four social domains (emotional-affective, formal-instrumental, behavioural and competence-related) through which emotional experiences are structured. These domains are shaped by individual characteristics, needs, appraisals and broader institutional and cultural conditions. KEY PROPOSITIONS: Unlike existing frameworks, SESEA integrates student and teacher perspectives, allowing for a systemic understanding of classroom dynamics. The model provides a conceptual framework that may support theory-driven research and a basis for the development of innovative empirical approaches, including observational instruments and multi-method designs. It offers a foundation for examining how socio-emotional experiences and adaptation unfold over time, across actors and in diverse school contexts. CONCLUSION: Potential applications include empirical validation and the development of interventions to enhance emotional well-being, relationships and learning. The SESEA model promotes a holistic understanding of emotional life in education and advances research, practice and policy.