Social Problem-Solving Skills In Children: an Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: Social problem-solving skills have been identified as being crucial to social competency which is related to successful life adjustment. Researcher supported the idea that knowledge and use of social problem-solving skills are important aspects of mental health and behavioural adjustment. Therefore the need to explore social problem-solving skills arises as it has psychological and behavioural concern for the children well-being. Aim: The objective of the present study is to explore social problem-solving skills in children while they face real-life problem situations. In addition, it explored the problem-solving styles followed by the children. Method: The study employed an exploratory research design to explore social problem-solving skills in children. Data was collected with the help of interview method. The region selected for the study belongs to government schools of Mohali, Punjab. Seventh-grade children remained the subject under study. Results: Results revealed that children are impulsive and reactive to the problem situations which indicated poor problem-solving skills in children. Children believed to follow impulsive and avoidance approach to the real-life problems rather than employing a rational approach and finding the best solutions to the problem. Conclusion: The qualitative data analysis revealed children are very impulsive and aggressive in their approach while facing any problematic situation in school and at home.