A multi-center randomized controlled trial of social skills training among children with behavior problems

Abstract

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a social skills training program in children with child behavior disorders. A total of 441 children, aged 7-13 years old, from 6 centers were randomized into intervention (n = 216) and waitlist group (n = 225). The social skills training program was offered to the intervention group 1 hour weekly for totally 12 weeks. The Rutter Parent & Teacher Scale and Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were used at baseline and completion of intervention. Change of total score, neurotic factor score and antisocial factor score of Rutter Parent Scale in the intervention group was significantly larger than that in the waitlist group (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.000). The clinical cure rate of the intervention group (47.69%) was significantly higher than that of the waitlist group (24.89%) after intervention (chi(2) = 24.84, P = 0.000). Change of total score, neurotic factor score and antisocial factor score of Rutter Teacher Scale in the intervention group was significantly larger than that in the waitlist group (P = 0.000, P = 0.003, P = 0.002). The clinical cure rate of the intervention group (56.02%) was significantly higher than that of the waitlist group (38.22%) after intervention (chi(2) = 14.01, P = 0.000). The total score, somatic complaint score and delinquent score of Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) of the intervention group decreased significantly than that of the waitlist group after intervention (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.002) with the exception of aggressive behavior score (P = 0.078). The difference and decrease rate of total score, somatic complaint score, delinquent score and aggressive behavior score of intervention group were significantly higher than that of the waitlist group after intervention (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.006, P = 0.015, P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.012). This study provides supports for the use of social skills training program to improve children's behavior problems in both family and school settings.