Positive Mental Health through Life Skill Education: Empowering Adolescents having Psychosocial Problems

By : Abdil Azeez, E.P.

Page No: 21-31

Abstract
Children’s and adolescents are one of the most vulnerable categories in regard with psychosocial problems. The changing patterns and structure of social life, especially transition of family system from traditional to nuclear, reduced social interaction and technological outburst are some of the many reasons that makes the scenario more complex. Recent empirical evidences show the increasing number of adolescence involvement in delinquency, sexual, substance abuse and rising issues of mental health. The period of adolescence is sensitive in regard with biopsychosocial changes and it is necessary to address these issues by enabling and equipping them with skills to face those challenges. Present system of education limits its role in enhancing such skills among the adolescence. Psychiatry, Psychology and Social Work interventions have reasonably advanced in dealing with mental illness but they have done very poorly with the mental health, especially the preventive aspects. In this context positive approach that emphasis on positive mental health deserves a high place. Life skill education is widely accepted as a tool of intervention in enhancing skill and capabilities to cope up with the daily demands of life, especially among a unique segment like adolescents. The present paper is based on the psychosocial intervention done through life skill education among adolescents, who are having psychosocial problems as per the school counseling records. A single group pretest and post test Quasi experimental design guided the study. Psychological well being and Self esteem have assessed in pre and post intervention. Result of the study indicates the intervention have significantly influenced in enhancing mental health of adolescents.

Author :
Abdil Azeez E.P :  Assistant Professor —Department of Social Work, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan -305801