Life Skills Training

Description of the Strategy

The term life skills refers to a broadly defined set of skills and competencies needed to survive and prosper in society. These skills range from such basics as bathing and dressing, include study, work, and leisure activities, and extend to maintaining interpersonal relationships and advanced problem-solving skills. Though many manualized therapies now include life skills components, life skills interventions are most [Page 891]commonly primary prevention strategies implemented in either a broadly targeted or universal manner. By increasing social competence, problem-solving skills, knowledge of risk factors, self-esteem, and communication skills, life skills interventions aim to decrease individuals' vulnerability to risk factors, thereby preventing the development of dysfunction, psychopathology, and other undesired outcomes such as drug use, smoking, and teen pregnancy.