From Skills to Wellbeing: How Psychosocial and Relational Factors Shape Youth Livelihood Outcomes in Bangladesh

Abstract

Dr. Md. Abu Hanif

This study examines how vocational and technical skills training translates into youth livelihood outcomes in Bangladesh when mediated by psychosocial wellbeing and relational support systems. Drawing on the Capability Approach, Ecological Systems Theory, and Positive Youth Development (PYD), the analysis moves beyond skills-centric explanations to explore livelihoods as a wellbeing-embedded and relationally conditioned process. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study combines survey data from 417 youth aged 15–24 in rural Kayetpara and urban Dhaka with qualitative evidence from 12 focus group discussions and 6 key informant interviews. Multivariate regression and structural equation modeling indicate that access to vocational or technical training is a strong predictor of income generation, outperforming education level, gender, or location alone. However, emotional distress, limited peer and mentor support, and weak family encouragement significantly constrain livelihood gains, particularly among younger adolescents and young women. Qualitative findings help explain these patterns, showing that while training often enhances confidence and perceived capability, many young people struggle to convert skills into sustainable livelihoods in emotionally unsafe, gender-restrictive, or socially unsupportive environments. Urban youth especially females reported heightened stress, stigma, and competitive pressures that diluted the economic returns of training.

In response, the study proposes a Youth Livelihood–Wellbeing Pathway Framework comprising three interdependent pillars: (1) psychosocially aligned skills development, (2) integrated emotional wellbeing and mental health support, and (3) relationally enabling ecosystems that foster mentorship, trust, and help-seeking. The findings highlight the importance of age- and gender-responsive youth services that integrate economic, psychosocial, and relational dimensions. By reframing livelihoods as a systems-embedded wellbeing process, the study contributes to youth wellbeing and care scholarship and informs policy debates on designing training interventions that are not only economically effective, but also inclusive and sustainable.

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