Effects of a Social Skill Training Program on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Communication Ability, and Peer Relations in Children Using a Community Child Center

Abstract

Purpose: In this study the effects of a social skill training program on attention deficit hyperactivity, communication ability, and peer relations in children using a community child center were examined. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used. Data were collected from November 10 to December 15, 2009. To test the effects of the social skill training program, the children using a community child center were divided into two groups, an experimental group (21) and a control group (21). The outcomes were measured by the Korean ADHD Rating Scales (K-ARS), communication ability scales, and peer relations scales. Results: Significant differences were found in attention deficit hyperactivity scores and peer relations scores between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that the social skill training program applied cognitive behavior therapy is a useful nursing intervention for decreasing the attention deficit hyperactivity and improving the peer relations of these children using a community child center.