A groundbreaking article just published in the journal Open Science Framework “The Pre-Texts Protocol: Promoting Flourishing Through Collective Creative Engagement” highlights the reciprocity between cognitive and socioemotional learning. This transformative and deceptively simple approach connects high order literacy with emotional wellbeing and creativity. Authored by Valeria Pica, Giulia Candeloro, Sara Uboldi, Tiziano Antognozzi, Maria Tartari, Simone Di Plinio, Doris Sommer and Pier Luigi Sacco, the article invites readers to consider the limitations of favoring either socioemotional or cognitive learning since each depends on the other.
Rooted in positive psychology and aesthetic education, Pre-Texts demonstrates that creativity and critical thinking reinforce one another, fostering joy, admiration for others, and a sense of purpose. Studies in Kenya, Chile, and Italy reveal measurable reductions in anxiety and depression, higher motivation, and stronger community bonds.
