Program for the promotion of social skills to students of the metropolitan university of Barranquilla, Colombia

Abstract

University students face several situations during their academic life, such as adapting to the university environment, socializing, working in team, and resolving conflicts. If not properly managed, these experiences can lead to frustration, stress, anxiety, and even depression. As educators consistently we are observing these challenges in our students. To address this issue, a program was designed and implemented to promote the development of social skills in university students. The approach used a mixed method, with a pre-experimental design involving pre- and post-tests in a single control group. The technique employed was a Likert-scale survey, and the main instrument used was the Goldstein Test, consisting of 50 items describing six types of social skills: basic, advanced, emotion-related, alternatives to aggression, and stress management and planning skills. The results show us a satisfactory increase in social skills among university students after participating in the program. This research underscores the importance of cultivating social skills in the university context for students personal and professional growth. Professors and educators should actively promote the development of social skills in students, as these skills are essential for personal and professional success.