The Applicability of Social Skills Training Research

Abstract

Children who have problematic peer relationships or lack friends have been found to be more likely than other children to experience adjustment problems in young adulthood. The effectiveness of social skills training methods specifically designed to enhance children's peer relationships is evaluated. The evaluation includes an examination of "coaching" procedures compared with alternative procedures and control groups, as well as a consideration of follow-up analyses. The applicability of "coaching" methods is evaluated on the basis of a small scale survey of social skills training procedures in use at social service agencies, guidance centers, hospitals, and clinic settings. Modifications and combinations of social skills training methods are then discussed.