The Influence of Social Skills on Fortitude Among Youth: A Comparative Study Across Different Family Structures

Abstract

The fortitude that helps young people survive in modern life, when all seems to be against them, is a very critical attribute. Social skills help improve a person’s ability to communicate positively, therefore making for good relationships with others and helping them to adapt to their environment. Essentially, fortitude assists youth in being able to address challenges using psychological strength and perseverance. This study is to look at how social skills impact fortitude in youth from various family structures. A mixed method study with quota sampling of 76 post-graduate students (nuclear and joint families) collected data through a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed through statistical methods including the use of the Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test, and regression analysis. This study has shown that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between social skills and fortitude in youth, with the impact being greater for those youth from joint families than for those youth from nuclear families. This study has demonstrated that family structure is important in developing social skills and fortitude thereby increasing the knowledge regarding Positive Youth Development..