ETHIOPIAN CIVIL SERVICE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF FINANCE, MANAGAMENT AND

DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTEMENT OF PUBLIC FINACIAL MANAGMENT

Introduction to psychology

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT ONE:

TITLE: LIFE SKILLS

Submitted to: Mrs. Kumeneger Fikre

Prepared by: Ismail Abdihakim Ahmed

ID NUMBER: ECSU 1900853

June/2021
ADDIS ABABA,
ETHIOPIA

Life Skills
 Specific Guidelines for writing the summary
 Nature and concept definition
 Components of life skills
 Goals of Life Skills
 Practical Examples and applications of life Skills

NATURE AND CONCEPT DEFINITION OF LIFE SKILLS

Life skills are defined as “a group of psychosocial competencies and

interpersonal skills that help people make informed decisions, solve problems,
think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, build healthy
relationships, empathize with others, and cope with and manage their lives.
In other words Life skills is a term used to describe a set of basic skills acquired
through learning and/or direct life experience that enable individuals and groups to
effectively handle issues and problems commonly encountered in daily life. Also
UNICEF defines life skills as “a behaviour change or behaviour development
approach designed to address a balance of three areas: knowledge, attitude and
skills”.

Life skills are essentially those abilities that help to promote mental well-being and
competence in young people as they face the realities of life. Most development
professionals agree that life skills are generally applied in the context of health and
social events.

COMPONENTS OF LIFE SKILLS

The Main Components of Life Skills
Are categorizes life skills into the following three components:
A) Critical thinking skills/Decision-making skills – include decision making or
problem solving skills and information gathering skills. The individual
must also be skilled at evaluating the future consequences of their present
actions and the actions of others.

B) Interpersonal/Communication skills – include verbal and non-verbal

communication, active listening, and the ability to express feelings and give feed
back. Also in this category, are negotiation/refusal skills and assertiveness skills
that directly affect ones’ ability to manage conflict.
C) Coping and self-management skills- refers to skills to increase the internal locus of
control, so that the individual believes that they can make a difference in the world
and affect change. Self esteem, self-awareness, self-evaluation skills and the ability
to set goals are also part of the more general category of self-management skills.
Anger, grief and anxiety must all be dealt with, and the individual learns to cope
loss or trauma. Stress and time management are key, as are positive thinking and
relaxation techniques.

Goals of Life Skills

Goal of knowing and applying life skills is to lead a smooth and successful life at
home, work place and in social relationship.
Life skills enable effective communication, for example, being able to differentiate
between hearing, listening, and ensuring that messages are transmitted accurately
to avoid miscommunication and misinterpretations.
Life skills goals are those that seek to build capacity of individuals to make
decisions and take actions that positively impact their lives and the lives of those
around them. A primary goal is to promote psychological as well as physical well-
being.
Some goals of life skills
 Focus and Self-Control
 Perspective Taking
 Communicating
 Making Connections
 Critical Thinking
 Taking on Challenges
 Self-Directed, Engaged Learning

Practical Examples and applications of life Skills

In everyday life, the development of life skills helps Individuals to Find new ways

of thinking and problem solving. Recognise the impact of their actions and teaches
them to take responsibility for what they do rather than blame others. Build
confidence both in spoken skills and for group collaborations,Presentation
skills,Critical thinking and Influencing others.