Life skills

Which skills are life skills?

© UNICEF/ HQ00-0305/ Pirozzi

An adolescent boy points to text during an information session on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Cairo, Egypt.

There is no definitive list of life skills. The list below includes the psychosocial and interpersonal skills generally considered important. The choice of, and emphasis on, different skills will vary according to the topic and local conditions (e.g., decision-making may feature strongly in HIV/AIDS prevention whereas conflict management may be more prominent in a peace education program). Though the list suggests these categories are distinct from each other, many skills are used simultaneously in practice. For example, decision-making often involves critical thinking ("what are my options?") and values clarification ("what is important to me?"). Ultimately, the interplay between the skills is what produces powerful behavioural outcomes, especially where this approach is supported by other strategies such as media, policies and health services.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal communication skills

• Verbal/Nonverbal communication
• Active listening
• Expressing feelings; giving feedback (without blaming) and receiving feedback

Negotiation/refusal skills

• Negotiation and conflict management
• Assertiveness skills
• Refusal skills

Empathy

• Ability to listen and understand another's needs and circumstances and express that understanding

Cooperation and Teamwork

• Expressing respect for others' contributions and different styles
• Assessing one's own abilities and contributing to the group

Advocacy Skills

• Influencing skills & persuasion
• Networking and motivation skills

Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Skills

Decision making / problem solving skills

• Information gathering skills
• Evaluating future consequences of present actions for self and others
• Determining alternative solutions to problems
• Analysis skills regarding the influence of values and attitudes of self and others on motivation

Critical thinking skills

• Analyzing peer and media influences
• Analyzing attitudes, values, social norms and beliefs and factors affecting these
• Identifying relevant information and information sources

Coping and Self-Management Skills

Skills for increasing internal locus of control

• Self esteem/confidence building skills
• Self awareness skills including awareness of rights, influences, values, attitudes, rights, strengths and weaknesses
• Goal setting skills
• Self evaluation / Self assessment / Self-monitoring skills

Skills for managing feelings

• Anger management
• Dealing with grief and anxiety
• Coping skills for dealing with loss, abuse, trauma

Skills for managing stress

• Time management
• Positive thinking
• Relaxation techniques