Obasse, Asu Benedict - Senior Psychologist, Department of Psychology, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
I obtained a B.Sc in General and Applied Psychology (2006), and an M.Sc in Organizational Psychology 2012 from the University of Jos, Plateau State.
Am an internationally certified addiction professional (ICAP 1).
A Drug Demand Reduction Professional Member of International Society for Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (ISSUP), and Coordinator, ISSUP in Cross River State. I have also received certification from the University of Washington on Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health
I am interested in work and research with street children, young people, substance use and trauma
Abstract body
Introduction
The study examined critical skills of assertiveness, refusal skill, locus of control, decision-making and problem solving.
Objective
A key objective of this study was to assess the life skills knowledge of street children and its impact on their substance use.
Method
Data gathered by means of a researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from 316 street children in Calabar Metropolis. The street children were 231 males and 85 females, with ages ranging from 5 to17 years (mean = 11.6 years). The data was presented and analyzed using tables and percentages.
Result
Findings revealed among other things that street children due to their growing up in a disadvantaged environment lack opportunities to develop these skills, making them vulnerable instead of resilient.
Conclusion
Life skills act as a link between basic functioning and a person's capabilities. The study recommended that these essential ingredients should be made available for street children to help mediate problem behaviors such as substance use
Learning objectives
ISSUP conference as always will offer me an opportunity to gain knowledge of the latest in the field of substance abuse, treatment and recovery support. It will also be great to meet and exchange ideas with professionals around the world and learn what is working for them especially in this Covid era. This networking will equally help me deepen professional relationships. And with the training opportunities, it will be great to obtain my ICAP II certification.