Decision making skills involves the ability to use all available information to evaluate a situation, examine all potential benefits and harms, and make a rational and informed decision. Many young people enjoy the freedom of being able to decide for themselves, but they must also learn to be aware and accept the consequences of their decisions. Some challenging and tempting situations may require young people to prioritize the importance of various aspects in their life.
Throughout your day to day, you have made many decisions. Think about all the decisions you made today. Was it about what you will have for breakfast? What shirt you will wear? How did you come to make these decisions?
Many times our decisions are based on how we feel. However, how we feel is not enough to make an informed decision, especially on important issues like health and our sexuality. Other factors that may influence our decisions include cultural and religious beliefs, peer pressure, knowledge and principles on the subject.
We can make effective decision, by processing each of these steps one by one. You probably did it when you chose what you had for breakfast.
Think about the decisions involved with respect to this situation:
Throughout your day to day, you have made many decisions. Think about all the decisions you made today. Was it about what you will have for breakfast? What shirt you will wear? How did you come to make these decisions?
Many times our decisions are based on how we feel. However, how we feel is not enough to make an informed decision, especially on important issues like health and our sexuality. Other factors that may influence our decisions include cultural and religious beliefs, peer pressure, knowledge and principles on the subject.
We can make effective decision, by processing each of these steps one by one. You probably did it when you chose what you had for breakfast.
- What is that you need to make a decision about?
- Brainstorm your options.
- What are the pros and cons of each option?
- Make a decision.
- Act on your decision.
Think about the decisions involved with respect to this situation:
“I want to have sex but I am afraid of getting pregnant/making my partner pregnant, I have no access to contraceptive”.
Can you think of any other examples that you have faced an important decision? Try these steps above one at a time.
