Life Skills of Inmates of a Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Centre for Women in Kerala

Life skills have been defined by WHO (1999), as abilities for positive and adaptive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. An attempt was made in the present study to assess the life skills among the inmates. Qualitative research design employing phenomenological approach was conducted as to reach on identifying the strengths and challenges practiced in the centre. Purposive sampling techniques was used to draw 90 respondents from the centre to respond to the life skill inventory and staff (N=7) to respond the interview questions. The result of this study indicated that the effort made by the centre is so effective in addressing the immediate need of the inmates including survival and wellbeing. Consequently, the life skills were enhanced through the various activities. The challenges faced were identified as characteristics of the staff to handle the growing needs of the inmate, emotional instability of the inmates, limited access to social integration, negative attitude of the community towards institutionalization and segregation were observed as critical. Hence, institutional capacity building from both external and internal funders to maintain the centres’ sustainability with clear goal and policy direction is mandatory. Keywords: Inmates, Psycho-social, Life skills, Rehabilitation