This video demonstrates how developing psychosocial skills is now one of the most effective ways to prevent violence and sustainably improve individual health. Far from being a recent or theoretical idea, this approach is based on nearly forty years of research in public health and the humanities.
Psychosocial skills correspond to a limited but fundamental set of abilities, identified and progressively strengthened by healthcare professionals. Contrary to what one might imagine, it is not a multitude of complex skills: only nine fundamental skills are sufficient to help a person cope with the demands and challenges of daily life. These skills are organized into three broad, complementary categories: cognitive, emotional, and social.
Cognitive skills primarily relate to self-awareness. They involve the ability to know oneself, to identify one's strengths, limitations, values, and goals. They also include critical thinking, that is, the ability to recognize biases, influences, and external pressures, as well as positive self-assessment that allows one to acknowledge one's own qualities. Finally, they presuppose the ability to take care of oneself, to listen to oneself, and to be attentive to one's needs. The video highlights that many adults have never fully developed these skills themselves, which demonstrates the significant educational challenge.
These cognitive skills are accompanied by the ability to control oneself: knowing how to manage one's emotions, setting realistic goals, and making constructive decisions. Making responsible choices and solving problems creatively are also part of this essential foundation, indispensable for avoiding impulsive or violent responses to difficulties.
Emotional skills play a central role in violence prevention. This involves first identifying basic emotions and understanding their meaning, but also recognizing stress and analyzing its causes. Emotional regulation is a key step: being able to express and manage emotions positively, without harming oneself or others. Stress management, particularly during difficult times in life, is presented as a determining factor in preventing violent acts.
Social skills complete this set. They are based on constructive communication, which requires listening, empathy, and the ability to express oneself clearly. They also include the ability to develop positive relationships, cooperate, help one another, and adopt prosocial attitudes. Finally, they enable individuals to cope with relational difficulties by knowing how to ask for help, defend one's rights, and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
The video then explores the concrete effects of developing these skills. While science has paid little attention to the subjective concept of happiness, it has extensively studied the impact of psychosocial skills on mental and physical health. The results are particularly compelling: reduced anxiety, stress, and depression; fewer behavioral problems; and an overall improvement in psychological well-being.
Psychosocial skills development programs also demonstrate a major impact on reducing risky behaviors, such as substance use, as well as on decreasing violence, harassment, and risky sexual behavior. These benefits are complemented by positive effects on academic and professional success.
These programs already exist and are central to education about emotional, relational, and sexual life. In France, a national strategy launched in 2022 aims to generalize the development of psychosocial skills for children and young people aged 3 to 25, involving both professionals and parents. The long-term objective is to create a continuous educational environment that will sustainably reduce violence and improve public health.
