Abstract
The study aims to investigate the effect of life skills training on the suicidal behaviour of adolescents. The study employs a quasi-experimental research design. The sample comprised 970 adolescents studying in the ninth grade. The study was carried out in three phases. Life skills training programme was conducted in 30 sessions within the school premises. For each life skill, sessions were activity-based and participatory. The techniques used to impart training were role play, small group activities, lectures and group discussions. The results show a significant decremental effect of life skills training on suicidal behaviour of adolescents. Life skills training was effective in reducing suicidal behaviour among adolescents. Life skills training improves decision-making, problem-solving, goal setting, conflict resolution, advocacy, coping, and mindfulness skills in students. Hence, schools should provide skill-building opportunities for adolescents to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors. Also, schools should embed life skills training in general mental health promotion rather than specific suicide prevention activities.
Highlights
Adolescence is a crucial phase in life and the presence of conditions like depression, anxiety and stress at this stage of life is a matter of concern
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of life skills training on suicidal behaviour of adolescents
To see whether life skills training had any significant effect on suicidal behaviour among adolescents, analysis of covariance was employed on the post-test suicidal behaviour scores of adolescents
Summary
Adolescence is a crucial phase in life and the presence of conditions like depression, anxiety and stress at this stage of life is a matter of concern. Depression in this population has been shown to be associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviour, homicidal ideation, tobacco use and other substance abuse into adulthood. There are approximately 900,000 reported suicides each year, including as many as 200,000 adolescents and young adults (Greydanus & Calles, 2007). Recent reports in the newspapers and media bring horrible pictures of the increasing adolescent suicide in India. Evidence suggests that the number of adolescents committing suicide has drastically increased over the years. The total number of suicides in the age group of 15-29 years increased from 38,910 in 2001 to 46,635 in 2012, demonstrating a drastic increase of 19.9 percent
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
