Theoretical Basis of Life Skills

& Definition of Life Skills

Dr. Sudhesh N.T
 Child and Adolescent Development Theory

Social Learning Theory

Problem Behavior Theory

Social Influence Theory

Cognitive Problem Solving

THEORIES
Multiple Intelligences

Resilience and Risk Theory

Constructivist Psychology Theory

 • Critical Moment of Opportunity for Building
Child & Adolescent Skills and Positive Habits
Developmental
Theory • Practice New Skills with Peers
• Sense of Autonomous Individual
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY - BANDURA

• Cognitive Theory
• Learning – Instruction &
Observation
• Modelling
• Self-Efficacy
Behaviors are influenced
by an individuals’ values,
beliefs and attitudes,
and the perception
of friends and family
about those behaviors
PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR THEORY – Richard Jessor
Social Influence
Theory
- Pointing towards early prevention,
rather than later intervention
- Teaching children resistance skills
◦"the abilities for adaptive and positive
behavior that enable individuals to deal
effectively with the demands and
challenges of everyday life" - WHO

DEFINITION
 “Life skills education is designed to facilitate the
practice and reinforcement of psychosocial skills in
a culturally and developmentally appropriate way;
it contributes to the promotion of personal and
social development, the prevention of health and
social problems, and the protection of human rights”
(Department of Mental Health, WHO 1999)
DEFINITION
◦“a behavior change or behavior development
approach designed to address a balance of
three areas: knowledge, attitude and skills”
UNICEF
REFERENCES

Mangrulkar, L; Whitman, V & Posner, M(2001). Life Skills

Approach to Child and Adolescent Healthy Human
Development. Health and Human Development Programs
(HHD), a division of Education Development Center, Inc.
(EDC). Pan American Health Organization
WHO (2005). Adolescent Life Skills Manual.