hrvatski

The role of socio-emotional skills in predicting internalized problems

Internalized problems are becoming more and more prevalent in youth population, becoming the public health priority. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of socio-emotional skills of youth, specifically communication, self-awareness, decision-making and social awareness in prediction of internalized problems. During the year 2017, Croatian Laboratory for Prevention Research has conducted a project Positive Development of City of Zagreb’s Youth – state of the art. Cross-sectional study design has included a representative sample of 15% of total high- school population in Croatian capital, 4821 students, ranging from 1st to 4th grade (48.2% female and 43.7% were male). Aim of the study was to explore the positive development outcomes and risk behaviour of adolescents. Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (Lovibond and Lovibond) was used to assess internalized problems while socio- emotional skills were measured by Resilience and Youth Development Module (California Healthy Kids Survey, 1997). Data indicates high prevalence of serious internalized symptoms in 20 to 30% of the assessed sample. Hierarchical regression was conducted. Regression models have revealed that higher empathy predicted more internalized problems while higher self-awareness predicted better mental health outcomes. Results will be discussed in the light of needed programs preventing internalized problems and promoting mental health.

adolescents, socio-emotional skills, internalized problems, prevention programs

nije evidentirano