Skills Training Program Research Articles

The Mediating Role of Social Interactions and Early Psychopathological Symptoms in the Relationship Between Empathy and Prosociality in Young Children with ASD and Neurotypical Peers.

This study examined the relationship between empathy, prosocial behaviour, social interactions and early psychopathological symptoms (internalising and externalising behaviours) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children. A total of 506 parents of children aged 18-48 months participated in this study. The parents of 92 children with ASD and 414 neurotypical children completed the Empathy Questionnaire, the Child Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Emotional and Social Development Questionnaire. The results confirmed the direct relationship between empathy and prosocial behaviour in both groups. However, the findings showed a different pattern of the indirect relationship between empathy and prosociality through the social dimensions in the children with ASD compared to their typically developing peers. In the children with ASD, there was only one significant indirect path from empathy to prosocial behaviour - through internalising behaviours (anxiety). Anxiety also played a moderating role in this relationship. The higher the anxiety, the stronger the relationship between empathy and prosociality. In the neurotypical group, social interactions were a significant mediator, strengthening the relationship between empathy and prosocial behaviour. Externalising behaviours weakened this relationship. Intergroup and gender differences were also examined. These findings may have practical implications for social skills training programmes based on behavioural interventions by highlighting the importance of prosocial behaviour for social interaction and protection against psychopathological problems in children with autism and typically developing children.

Supporting African communities to increase resilience and mental health of kids with developmental disabilities and their caregivers using the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training Programme (SPARK trial): study protocol for a cluster randomised clinical controlled trial

BackgroundMost children with developmental disabilities (DD) live in low- and middle-income countries, but access to services is limited, impacting their ability to thrive. Pilot study findings of the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training (WHO CST) intervention, which equips caregivers with strategies to facilitate learning and adaptive behaviours in children with DD, are promising but evidence from an appropriately powered trial delivered by non-specialist facilitators is lacking. This study will investigate the effectiveness and the resource impacts and costs and consequences of the WHO CST intervention in four sites in rural and urban Kenya and Ethiopia.MethodsThis is a 2-arm multi-site hybrid type-1 effectiveness implementation cluster randomised controlled superiority trial. After baseline assessments (T0) are completed by participants in clusters comprising 7 to 10 caregiver-child dyads, the clusters will be randomised to either the WHO CST intervention arm or a waitlist enhanced care as usual control arm. Further assessments will be completed at endpoint (T1, 18 ± 2 weeks after randomisation) and follow-up (T2, 44 ± 2 weeks after randomisation). The intervention comprises three individualised home visits and nine group sessions with trained non-specialist facilitators. Participants in the control arm will receive the intervention after completing follow-up assessments. We aim to recruit 544 child-caregiver dyads, evenly distributed across the two arms and countries. The co-primary outcomes are the child-focused Child Behavior Checklist (assessing emotional and behavioural problems) and the caregiver-focused Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (assessing caregiver quality of life), both assessed at endpoint. Secondary outcome measures comprise the two co-primary outcomes at follow-up and ten additional outcome measures at endpoint, assessing stigma-based experiences, depressive symptoms, household food insecurity, child disciplinary strategies and beliefs, CST knowledge and skill competencies, caregiver and child quality of life, social support, and children’s communication modes and functions. After quantitative follow-up assessments are completed, a mixed-methods evaluation approach will be used to investigate implementation processes and acceptability, feasibility, and potential sustainability of the intervention.DiscussionThe study’s findings will provide evidence of the effectiveness and resource impacts and costs and consequences of a non-specialist-delivered intervention in under-resourced contexts in one low-income and one middle-income country in East Africa. Findings will inform future research, intervention, and policy efforts to support children with DD and their families in under-resourced majority world contexts.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR202310908063134. Registered on October 16, 2023.

Philanthropy of Pesantren Towards Socio-Economic Welfare (Study At Markaz Bayt Al-Musaadah Social Institution, Mambaus Sholihin Gresik Islamic Boarding School)

Cases of misuse of social funds have slowed down welfare programs for the poor and dhuafa'. The establishment of Markaz Bayt Al-Musa'adah under Pesantren Mambaus Sholihin provides a breath of fresh air, with pesantren now required not only to produce a generation that understands religion, but also as a pillar of Islamic sharia economics. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach to explore the economic empowerment and management of philanthropic funds by Markaz Bayt Al-Musa'adah of Pesantren Mambaus Sholihin Gresik. This method involves in-depth data collection and various sources of information as well as participation in the field. The results show that Markaz Bayt Al-Musa'adah has implemented community economic empowerment through skills training programs and assistance to underprivileged students. The management of social funds is carried out transparently and accountably based on the principles of Islamic philanthropy, with managers working without taking profits, solely for the sake of Allah and the intention of khidmah to the caregiver.

Improving mental health among intensive care unit staff with communication skills training.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff report that a large part of the work-related distress they experience is related to communication situations with colleagues, patients, and relatives. Based on these findings, the aim of the present study was to preliminary evaluate the effects of a novel Communication Skills Training (CST) program on mental health among ICU staff. The CST program was delivered to the entire work force of an ICU at a Swedish hospital and was evaluated as an uncontrolled clinical trial with three repeated measures. 100 participants were eligible and included in the analyses. The theoretical framework for the program was learning theory and cognitive behavioral therapy. The program was delivered by two psychologists and included one full-day lecture and three subsequent two-hour supervision sessions. Changes in mental health was evaluated with self-report questionnaires measuring perceived stress, general mental health, work engagement, and psychological flexibility. Analyses of three repeated measures showed significant improvements with 1.3 points lower perceived stress and 2.0 points lower general mental health after the intervention. No differences were seen in measures of work engagement or psychological flexibility. Findings of the study supports the utility of the CST program as an intervention to target perceived stress and general mental health within intensive care. These findings should be further validated in trials with improved design.

Employment Effects of Skills Trainings in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Recent Randomized Controlled Trials

AbstractThis study provides a comprehensive systematic review of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the employment effects of skills training programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The review focuses on studies conducted between 2019 and 2024, a period marked by a significant increase in the number of RCTs of training interventions in this region, and we thus fill a gap left by earlier reviews that did not reflect this recent surge in experimental studies. We employ the standard SPIDER approach for defining search terms and the PRISMA procedure for search and selection to systematically analyze the impact of these training programs on employment outcomes. The findings reveal a shift towards a more optimistic assessment compared to previous analyses, suggesting that many recent skills training programs do contribute to improving employment-related outcomes.

Individualized Assessment and Treatment Program (IATP) for alcohol use disorder: Comparison with conventional cognitive-behavioral treatment and examination of coping skills as a mediator of treatment.

This study tested a highly individualized cognitive-behavioral coping skills treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent studies have indicated that coping skills training programs are not always effective. A possible explanation is that the training provided in these programs may not address the specific needs of the patient. The Individualized Assessment and Treatment Program (IATP) was intended to provide a highly individualized approach to the training of skills most relevant for each individual. Men and women with AUD (N = 173) were randomly assigned to one of three, manualized, 12-session treatments: IATP, a conventional (Packaged) cognitive-behavioral program (PCBT), or a Case Management control condition (CaseM). An experience sampling (ES) procedure was employed prior to, and during, treatment to record alcohol use and coping behaviors in all patients. In IATP, this information was used by therapists to plan treatment that would address the specific strengths and weaknesses of each patient in alcohol-use situations. ES data were collected at multiple time points and patients were followed every 3 months out to 21 months posttreatment. Multilevel model analyses indicated that IATP yielded better drinking outcomes than the CaseM or PCBT conditions. Mediation analyses indicated that the effects of IATP versus the other treatments on outcomes were accounted for at least partly by changes in active coping with high-risk situations. Due to the limited diversity of the sample, generalizability of the results may be limited. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of tailoring treatment for the individual patient. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Preparing graduates for the job market: A strength-based skill development approach

Orientation: The lack of skills, such as communication and teamwork among graduates, is a major concern for employers. Graduates should prioritise developing skills in demand for the evolving job market.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the impressions of graduates regarding the skills they need to enter the job market and to develop and present a strength-based skills training programme for graduates in the South African labour market.Motivation for the study: Graduates can be equipped through a strength-based approach, which could assist them in applying their strengths to find employment in the South African labour market.Research design/approach and method: A qualitative research approach with a social constructivism paradigm was used. The participants were unemployed graduates, with a sample size of N = 10. Data was collected by using qualitative surveys captured on the QuestionPro platform. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.Main findings: The findings highlight the challenges faced by unemployed graduates. The participants reported feeling empowered by the training programme, helping them recognise and utilise their skills and strengths.Practical/managerial implications: The study highlighted that a strength-based training program for unemployed graduates could enhance the skills necessary for employment, such as self-awareness and emotional intelligence. A comprehensive understanding of the barriers to decent work is crucial for developing interventions to equip graduates for the labour market.Contribution/value-add: This research provides a basis for training and developing unemployed graduates from a strength-based perspective.

Подготовка к трудовой деятельности молодежи с психическими нарушениями в рамках гастрономической модельной площадки (ГАМП): оценка эффективности программы обучения

<p>This article presents a comprehensive study on the efficiency of a cooking skills training program for young adults with mental disabilities, conducted at the Gastronomic Model Platform (GAMP) of the Regional Non-commercial Organization "Center for Curative Pedagogy". The study hypothesized that this training would enhance the professional skills and life independence of students with mental disorders, facilitating successful employment and participation in work activities. Twenty-three GAMP students with varying levels of mental disabilities participated in a pre-post test study to assess changes in professional competencies and independence. The results confirmed the hypothesis regarding the improvement of professional skills during the GAMP training process (t(21)=-2,97; p=0,007). However, while indicators of independence significantly increased for some students, the overall hypothesis of increased independence was not statistically confirmed. This may be attributed to the fact that individuals with severe disabilities often show improvements in independence primarily in familiar environments and with the support of an accompanying person.</p>

Social skills programme for adolescents with depression: initial outcomes of a hospital based study in Sri Lanka

ObjectiveThis quasi-experimental study aimed to describe the outcome of a social skills intervention for adolescents with depression followed up at an outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit. Twenty adolescents with depression attending a tertiary care facility in Colombo, Sri Lanka were recruited, who participated in two social skills training programmes (6 months apart), in addition to pharmacological treatment. Outcome of the programme was measured by a self-administered questionnaire that assessed perceived changes in social skills, before and after the intervention. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to determine the statistical significance of improvement in social skills.ResultsThe sample consisted of 80% (n = 16) female adolescents. Median scores (inter-quartile range) for social skills before and after the first social skills programme were 31.5 (21.0–36.0) and 33.0 (28.25–40.25) respectively, indicating a significant improvement in social skills following intervention (p = 0.011, r = 0.57). A similar improvement was observed after the second programme (n = 10), reporting higher median scores for social skills after intervention (29.5 vs. 37.5, p = 0.005, r = 0.89). A significant improvement was also observed in perceived ability to cope with depressive thoughts after intervention (p = 0.032), indicating that social skills training can be a useful adjunct to pharmacological interventions, in the management of depression in adolescents.

The 6 Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make When Motivating Employees

Abstract: This article examines key factors that demotivate employees based on research in organizational psychology and leadership theory. It identifies a lack of feedback and praise, unclear or misaligned goals, limited autonomy and decision-making power, insufficient opportunities for skills development and growth, unrealistic workload expectations, and poor communication as universal demotivators across organizational contexts. Specific examples from the automotive industry illustrate how these issues negatively impact motivation. The article maintains that while individualized approaches are needed, certain demotivating behaviors should be avoided, such as not providing regular performance feedback or recognition. It advocates for goal setting, autonomy-enhancing problem solving, targeted skills training programs, reasonable workload calibration, and transparent communication as evidence-based ways to meaningfully boost employee engagement. The conclusion reiterates that leadership equipped with motivation science can focus on empowering rather than discouraging employees through these best practices.

The human side of cancer care in Japan: barriers and challenges

Abstract Among the core concepts of psycho-oncology, “addressing the human aspects of cancer” is one of the most important. In particular, the enhancement of physicians' empathic communication is welcomed in Japan. In 2006, the enactment of the Cancer Control Act in Japan promoted psychosocial and palliative care to anyone. Thus, the designated cancer hospitals adopted a palliative care team, including a psycho-oncologist, as well as a communication skills training program practicing empathic communication. The Cancer Registry data have suggested regional disparities in suicides among patients with cancer in Japan, suggesting fragile regions of psycho-oncology. How can we deliver empathic communication to patients across the country, and how far will technological innovation, including AI, produce innovative support? Although constant efforts are needed to move closer to solutions, the human side of cancer must not be changed; however, clinical practice must continue to change over time.

Karang Taruna's Role in Youth Empowerment Through Sports and Skill Training Programs

Background: Youth empowerment is vital for community progress, often facilitated by organizations like Karang Taruna. Specific Background: In Kalipecabean Village, Karang Taruna actively engages in youth activities, but its impact on empowerment remains unclear. Knowledge Gap: Limited studies focus on the role of Karang Taruna in this village. Aims: This study examines how Karang Taruna functions as a motivator, facilitator, and mobilizer in youth empowerment. Results: A qualitative analysis revealed that Karang Taruna conducts various activities, including sports competitions, training programs, and government collaboration, enhancing youth participation. However, challenges such as resource limitations and inconsistent engagement remain. Novelty: This study provides specific insights into Karang Taruna's multifaceted role in a village setting. Implications: Strengthening partnerships and diversifying programs could enhance the organization’s impact on community development. Highlights: Karang Taruna acts as a motivator by organizing activities to enhance youth participation. Collaboration with local government enables Karang Taruna to function effectively as a facilitator. Use of technology, like WhatsApp, assists Karang Taruna in its role as a mobilizer to engage youth in positive community activities. Keywords: Youth Empowerment, Youth Organization, Karang Taruna, Community Development, Facilitator

Skills on wheels: caregiver perspectives on the design and long-term impact of a pediatric wheelchair Skills training program.

Manual wheelchair skills training programs are novel developments, particularly in the United States. As perceived by the caregivers of participants, this study aimed to examine the long-term impact of the Skills on Wheels program on participants' occupational engagement and quality of life at home, at school, and in the community. Secondly, this study investigated the caregivers' perspectives of the program design of Skills on Wheels. This was a qualitative inquiry based upon thematic analyses of semi-structured interviews after participation in a pediatric wheelchair skills training program. The study participants were 9 caregivers whose children participated in this program over the 2021 and 2022 implementation years. Caregivers were given a 10-question semi-structured interview. The five overarching topics included program impact: (i) occupational engagement, (ii) program impact: quality of life factors, (iii) program resources/design, (iv) novelty/importance of program/wheelchair skills training, and (v) desired continued wheelchair skills practice in the future. Results provided tangible feedback to integrate into program design and supported the Skills on Wheels program's positive value as it relates to impact on quality of life and occupational engagement for participants.

Effects of Psychological Skill Training on Motivation and Anxiety Among Male U-17 Project Football Players

Psychological skills training program is effective in enhancing athletes’ performance, positively influencing cognitive and affective states. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Psychological skill training on motivations and anxiety of psychological variables of male Under 17 football project players. The methodology of the study employed an experimental research design. Thirty (30) male football player participants in the study were selected for the football project. The study subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups, the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). The experimental group had taken Psychological skill training intervention for 8 weeks with 3 sessions per week. Both groups had taken pre-post test and all the subjects participated to standard questionnaires. Motivation was measured using the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-28) and anxiety was measured using state-trait anxiety inventory test. The data collected from the study subjects was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, version 25) software by descriptive and inferential statistics, at a significant level of 0.05. Results showed Psychological skill training significantly improved the stated variables motivations and anxiety in the experimental group at (p<0.05). Furthermore, no more significant differences were found in both of the variables in the control group (p>0.05). Based on this finding, it can be concluded that Psychological skill training has a positive impact on the improvement of motivations and anxiety of psychological variables. Therefore, Psychological skill training is suggested for adolescent-age football players to improve psychological preparedness for athletic performance.

Perceived benefits and challenges of a work skills training workshop after stroke: a qualitative study with stroke survivors and caregivers

Purpose Stroke is a leading cause of disability, significantly impacting survivors’ ability to return-to-work (RTW). This study aims to explore the qualitative experiences of stroke survivors and caregivers participating in a work skills training programme. The research objectives are to understand participants’ (i) perceived benefits of the programme, (ii) perceived challenges and drawbacks of the programme, and (iii) suggestions for improvement and future recommendations. Methods Thirteen participants (seven stroke survivors and six caregivers) completed the four-week programme. Data were collected through post-workshop focus group discussions, which was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Key perceived benefits identified included communication tools, platform for sharing and support, reflections and shifts in mindset, and goal setting and values exploration. Perceived challenges and drawbacks highlighted were difficulty understanding certain workshop content, technical difficulties, and length of workshop sessions. Suggestions for improvement and future recommendations included assessing capacity and readiness to RTW and customizing content to participant needs. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of stroke survivors and caregivers in a work skills training programme. While significant benefits were identified, areas for improvement remain. These insights will guide the development of more effective and tailored interventions grounded in participants’ needs and perspectives.

Building access to linked data for program evaluation: lessons and opportunities from the evaluation of a pan-Canadian skills training initiative

In recent years, Canada’s statistical agency (Statistics Canada) has developed sophisticated linkage infrastructure through their Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE), linking internal data sets held by Statistics Canada and external data held by researchers. While the SDLE presents an opportunity for better measurement of the effectiveness of policies and programs, to date it has not been used for this purpose outside of government, instead largely supporting academic research projects. This session presents a novel approach to program evaluation in the Canadian context, using the SDLE Statistics Canada administrative data alongside independently collected program data from multiple service providers to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of a portfolio of skills training programs. Our approach aims to both rigorously evaluate the long-term outcomes of participants in this portfolio of public skills training programs, and develop a replicable proof-of-concept for using linked data infrastructure in Canada to support program evaluations. Through this initiative, we identify the key design features needed to support this use case for linked data, including study design parameters, necessary datasets and linkage processes, and privacy and data governance policies. Finally, we identify opportunities for future replication of this approach in Canada, including strategies for expedited linkage and analysis of evaluation results that maintain privacy requirements. We find that using the SDLE infrastructure for program evaluation is both feasible and desirable, however barriers exist to replicating this approach, including sectoral capacity for collecting linkable data, and transposing linkage and confidentiality rules from an academic research to a program evaluation context.

Prise en charge non médicamenteuse du TDAH

Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity (ADHD) is characterized by difficulties in regulating the attention, emotions, behavior and motivation of affected children and adults.Before considering prescribing methylphenidate, expert recommendations insist on the use of non-pharmacological treatment to improve the quality of life of sufferers and their families.This article provides an overview of the therapeutic strategies available for children and adults, which may be offered following an assessment of specific needs: psychoeducation, parenting skills training programs, behavioral, cognitive and emotional therapy (CBT) programs and cognitive remediation programs.

Web-Based Coping Skills Training and Coach Support for Women Living With a Partner With an Alcohol Use Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Individuals living with a partner with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) can experience significant psychological distress and use health care more than those without a partner with an AUD. However, the prevailing treatment system's focus on the partner and personal barriers limit these individuals from getting help for themselves. Preliminary work on a self-directed, web-based coping skills training program, Stop Spinning My Wheels (SSMW), shows promise in broadening available treatments for this population. In this study, we conducted a robust evaluation of SSMW primary outcomes. The study aims to test whether women with a partner with an AUD assigned to SSMW experienced a greater reduction in negative affect (depression and anger) (1) than a usual web care (UWC) control and (2) with brief phone coach support (SSMW+coach) rather than without (SSMW only) and (3) whether baseline negative affect moderated treatment effects. Women (mean age 45.7, SD 10.8 years; Black: 17/456, 3.7%; White: 408/456, 89.5%) were randomized to SSMW only, SSMW+coach, or UWC. Depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II) and anger (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2-State Anger) were assessed at baseline, 12-week posttest, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Participants in all conditions decreased in depression from baseline to posttest and from baseline to follow-up; SSMW-only and SSMW+coach participants decreased in anger, but UWC participants did not. Compared to UWC participants, SSMW-only participants experienced greater anger reduction (P=.03), and SSMW+coach participants experienced a greater reduction in depression (P<.001) from baseline to posttest. However, from baseline to follow-up, only a greater, but not statistically significant (P=.052), reduction in anger occurred in SSMW+coach compared to UWC. Although the SSMW conditions did not differ from each other in negative affect outcomes (P=.06-.57), SSMW+coach had higher program engagement and satisfaction (all P<.004). Baseline negative affect did not moderate effects, although remission from baseline clinically relevant depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory≥14) was higher in SSMW only (33/67, 49%; odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.05-4.30; P=.03) and SSMW+coach (46/74, 62%; odds ratio 3.60, 95% CI 1.79-7.23; P<.001) than in UWC (21/67, 31%); remission rates did not differ between the SSMW conditions (P=.12). The results partially supported the hypotheses. The SSMW conditions had earlier effects than UWC, but positive change in UWC mitigated the hypothesized long-term SSMW-UWC differences. The results highlight the importance of incorporating active controls in web-based clinical trials. Although SSMW+coach showed benefits over SSMW only on engagement and satisfaction measures and in the number needed to treat (5.6 for SSMW only; 3.2 for SSMW+coach), the SSMW conditions were comparable and superior to UWC on depressive symptom remission levels. Overall, SSMW with or without a coach can reduce clinically meaningful distress and add to available treatment options for this large, underserved group. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02984241; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02984241.

Formal and Non-Formal Development of Children as Criminal Offenders in Juvenile Correctional Institutions

The problem in this study is how the implementation of formal and non-formal coaching for children as perpetrators of criminal acts in the Special Development Institute for Children Klas II Bandar Lampung and what factors hinder the implementation of formal and non-formal coaching for children as perpetrators of criminal acts in the Special Development Institute for Children Klas II Lampung. The problem approach that will be used in this research is normative juridical and empirical juridical, the sources in the research are the Head of LPKA, LPKA Lampung Officers and Correctional Students of LPKA Lampung. The results showed that the process of implementing formal and non-formal coaching for children as perpetrators of criminal acts in the Special Development Institute for Children Klas II Bandar Lampung has been carried out even though it has not been maximised, it can be seen from the formal coaching that runs quite well where formal coaching is given from the elementary school level, junior high school and high school education levels. While non-formal coaching has not been running optimally marked by the decline in correctional students who take part in skills training programmes.

Digital Economy and Business Transformation in Indonesia: An Exploration of Opportunities and Challenges

This research explores the impact of the digital economy on key sectors such as e-commerce and fintech and identifies the challenges companies face in the adoption of digital technologies. In the context of e-commerce, this research assesses how digitalization has changed the way businesses operate, including changes in business models, payment methods, and customer experience, as well as how technology has enabled market expansion and improved operational efficiency. Using a qualitative approach and literature review, the research leveraged data from annual reports of government agencies, international organizations, industry reports of market research firms, and academic journal articles on digital transformation. The results reveal that, while digitalization offers significant opportunities for market expansion, innovation, and increased financial inclusion, there are serious challenges that include infrastructure limitations, digital skills gaps, and regulatory uncertainty. The implications of these findings point to the need for inclusive infrastructure development strategies, comprehensive skills training programs, and adaptive regulatory policies. Such measures are expected to address existing gaps and maximize the benefits of the digital economy for business growth as well as the national economy.