Social Skills Training Research Articles

Antibullying Interventions for Autistic Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. As part of the school health team, OTs should implement antibullying interventions, because bullying has a significant impact on students' participation in school occupations. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine interventions to reduce school bullying of students with autism. Social–emotional learning and social skills training interventions were found to be the most effective in decreasing bullying. Primary Author and Speaker: Janet Njelesani Additional Authors and Speakers: Christina M. Samaan

MY CHILD’S DISABILITY AND ME”: IMPACT OF CHILD DISABILITY ON MATERNAL QUALITY OF LIFE AND COPING STRATEGY

The birth of differently-abled child brings huge impact on the life of parents. This condition results in adverse impact on quality of life of parents. The study examined the components of quality of life and coping strategies of mothers of children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, and intellectual disability. This was a cross-sectional, ex-post facto research study. The statistical population included the mothers of differently abled children. 200 mothers of differently-abled children participated in the study. WHOQOL-BREF and Coping strategies scale was used for data collection. Findings revealed that the quality of life has statistically significant difference among the mothers of visually impaired, hearing-impaired children and mothers of locomotor disabled and intellectually disabled children. The mothers of visually impaired and hearing-impaired children use approach coping more than the mothers of intellectually disabled and locomotor disabled children. The avoidance coping is used more by mothers of locomotor disabled children followed by mothers of intellectually disabled children. Efficient social skill training programs should be provided to enhance their social network and quality of life. The professionals should also assess the needs, potential problems of mothers and integrate effective strategies with the treatment of their children.

Combining Self-Regulation Activities and Social Skills Training to Improve Social Competence Among Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. With the growing prevalence of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a prevailing symptom limiting their occupation is deficits in social competence. It is vital that OTs advance their use of evidence-based strategies to foster social skills development. This research examines the effectiveness of an OT group model, incorporating both self-regulation activities and social skills training to improve the social competence of children with ASD. Primary Author and Speaker: Orley Ann Templeton Additional Authors and Speakers: Lori A. Charney, Kelsey Hadsall, Randi Huffman, Robert Kennedy, Mariah Laubach, David Lutchko, Callie O'Donovan, Kristen Ritter, and Carmelina Tringali

Survival camps in nature as a form of social skills training

Survival camps in nature as a form of social skills training

The Effect of Social Skills Training on Self Concept of Teenage Mothers, A case study of Training College in Kenya

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of social skills training on enhancing self-concept of teenage mothers in Kibera. Because teenage pregnancy is considered as a global issue. A large proportion of teenage mothers give up on themselves and struggle with negative emotions resulting from societal stigma, rejection and isolation from friends and families, which can lead to poor self-concept. Methodology: The study was anchored on person centered theory of Carl Rogers and Bandura`s social cognitive theory. Mixed method sequential explanatory design was adopted for the study. The target population was 150 teenage mothers. Quantitative data was collected from participants using self-concept and social skills questionnaires. An interview guide was used to collect data from one social worker and one school administration for the qualitative study. The data were analyzed utilizing narratives and correlations. We used SPSS version 21 to examine the first round of quantitative data. After analyzing the quantitative data, individuals with mean scores between 1.0 and 2.5 were chosen for the qualitative investigation. Main Finding: The study found out that social skills training has improved self-concept of teenage mothers in Kibera. The qualitative study revealed that teenage mothers go through psychological and emotional challenges in the hands of their parents. The study generally concludes that self-concept of teenage mothers is being affected by lack of psychological support, forgiveness and acceptance from the family. Intervention suggested included being emotionally present, psychological support, and love by parents to teenage mothers. Research Implication: The study's findings suggested that rules on guidance and counseling services for parents and teenage mothers be strengthened in order to improve assertiveness. It is critical for social workers to focus on policy development in low-income households, particularly in the area of education, in order to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Novelty/Originality of this study: Based on the findings, this study proposes a novel approach to dealing with teen pregnancy and offering psychological support. In addition, the parents provide social support and love.

The Effect of Social Skills Training on Self Concept of Teenage Mothers, A case study of Training College in Kenya

The Effect of Social Skills Training on Self Concept of Teenage Mothers, A case study of Training College in Kenya

Effectiveness of Social Skills Training Groups in Persons with Severe Mental Illness: A Pre-Post Intervention Study.

Background:The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a social skills training program provided at the occupational therapy unit of a tertiary care center in India.Methods:The study used a pre–post interventional design where 101 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder, between 18 and 60 years, who provided written informed consent, were assessed on the Vellore Assessment of Social Performance (VASP) during the first week of attendance (baseline). Subsequently, they were enrolled in a six-session social skills group training program for two weeks. They were assessed on the VASP after one week (midterm assessment) and at the end (posttest) of the intervention. A follow-up assessment was done two weeks after cessation of the intervention. The participants were also scored on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at four time points.Results:Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in the VASP scores between time points, that is, F(baseline, midterm) = −4.34 and P = 0.001; F (baseline, postgroup) = −6.92 and P = 0.001; and F (baseline, follow-up) = −8.71 and P = 0.001. The correlation between the BPRS and VASP scores was also significant at each time point.Conclusion:The social skills group training protocol seems to be effective and feasible for the Indian population. Since conducting multicenter clinical trials might not always be possible in resource-constrained settings, this study might be considered preliminary evidence for context-specific, peer-/family-supported social skills training.

Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy via Telebehavioral Health for Those With Psychotic Spectrum Disorders: A Case Series

Telebehavioral health emerged as an important practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as an opportunity for continued evidence-based mental health intervention, while minimizing exposure to coronavirus contagion. Though preliminary research suggests feasibility and positive outcomes of telebehavioral health practice for people with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, there is limited research about implementation and effectiveness of this practice (Kasckow et al., 2014). This case series highlights the transition from in-person to telebehavioral health practice of a Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia group due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article summarizes: (a) the staff procedures needed to transition the group from in-person to telebehavioral health, (b) participant outcome data, (c) session attendance data, and (d) survey results from facilitators and participants about barriers and facilitators of the transition to telebehavioral health, and about how the virtual platform altered the therapeutic relationship and engagement. Participant outcome and engagement data suggest that, not only were two participants able to transition to telehealth and complete the program, but both participants also showed notable improvement in treatment engagement, goal progress, and skill acquisition. Surveys of six facilitators and one participant highlight how the transition to telebehavioral health had treatment advantages (e.g., therapeutic relationship, treatment engagement, group dynamics). Though survey results highlighted several implementation challenges in using the new virtual platform (e.g., technological connectivity, confidential space for engagement), no survey respondents reported that participation in this program resulted in harm to facilitators or participants. All facilitators and one participant agreed that the transition from in-person to virtual services was easy and reduced transportation barriers. Given the limited treatment engagement for this population (Lora et al., 2012) and the importance of early intervention to maximize clinical outcomes (Black et al., 2001; Bottlender et al., 2003), unanimous facilitator and participant report about improved patient attendance and participation in treatment after the transition to telebehavioral health was critically important. Though results of this case study are promising in suggesting telebehavioral health could be a viable modality for providing psychosocial treatment to people with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, more rigorous study is needed.

Long-Term Treatment Outcomes of PEERS® for Preschoolers: A Parent-Mediated Social Skills Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Although parent-assisted social skills interventions may reduce early social challenges in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited research has explored whether intervention gains maintain several years after treatment. This study examined the durability of PEERS® for Preschoolers, a parent-mediated social skills training program for preschool-aged children with ASD and other social challenges. Twenty-nine parents reported on child and family outcomes 1–5 years following treatment. Results demonstrated maintenance of treatment gains on measures of ASD-related social impairments including social communication, social responsiveness, social motivation, and peer engagement. Post-treatment improvements in problem behaviors and parenting stress were not maintained at long-term follow-up. Implications of these results are discussed.

Requirements of a Group Intervention for Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder in a Clinical Setting: A Qualitative Interview Study.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has become an important health concern in a significant proportion of adolescents. Intervention studies in this age group are scarce, mostly follow quantitative designs, and rarely consider adolescents’ experiences. This study aimed to evaluate the requirements for a group therapy program for adolescents with IGD. A qualitative interview study was conducted in a German clinic for addictive disorders in childhood and adolescence with nine participants (seven IGD patients (12–18 years, M = 15.86, SD = 1.95) and two psychotherapists). The semi-structured interviews addressed helpful contents, general conditions, and suggestions for alterations for an effective group intervention. Data were analyzed using content structuring qualitative analysis. Patient interview data resulted in 234 codings with eight main categories. Expert interview data yielded 151 codings with six main categories. The following treatment components were described as effective by the participants and experts: psychoeducation, emotion management, behavior analysis and modification, social skills training, parent participation, and relapse prevention. Additionally, adolescents emphasized the importance of group functionality for coherence, feedback and rewards, content presentation, physical activity and fun. The results are a valuable addition to findings from quantitative studies on IGD interventions and an interesting starting point for further representative studies.

The Potential of Virtual Reality in Social Skills Training for Autism: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Adoption of Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy Practice

Impairments in social functioning greatly hinder children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from responding appropriately and adapting to various social situations. As a result, individuals with ASD get fewer opportunities for social inclusion, physical well-being, and forming interpersonal relationships. Virtual reality (VR) has been studied extensively in this area, where a large body of evidence shows that VR is a promising tool for social skills training (SST) in individuals with ASD. With the flexibility and projected effectiveness that VR offers, it can provide more opportunities to learn and practice strategies for recognizing daily challenges that involve forming social relationships and associated reasoning. This paper discusses the gap between the effectiveness of VR-based SST and its adoption in occupational therapy (OT) practice. There is a significant dearth of resources for the development of occupational therapists to effectively administer these interventions. Such resources that summarize empirically supported VR interventions to teach social skills to people with autism would be very valuable in training therapists who wish to employ them. Using theory-driven approaches, this paper intends to empower occupational therapists in becoming efficient and confident in using this technology for addressing social skills deficits in people with ASD.

Effects of interventions for social anxiety and shyness in school-aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In school, shyness is associated with psychosocial difficulties and has negative impacts on children’s academic performance and wellbeing. Even though there are different strategies and interventions to help children deal with shyness, there is currently no comprehensive systematic review of available interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to identify interventions for shy children and to evaluate the effectiveness in reducing psychosocial difficulties and other impacts. The methodology and reporting were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and checklist. A total of 4,864 studies were identified and 25 of these met the inclusion criteria. These studies employed interventions that were directed at school-aged children between six and twelve years of age and described both pre- and post-intervention measurement in target populations of at least five children. Most studies included an intervention undertaken in a school setting. The meta-analysis revealed interventions showing a large effect in reducing negative consequences of shyness, which is consistent with extant literature regarding shyness in school, suggesting school-age as an ideal developmental stage to target shyness. None of the interventions were delivered in a classroom setting, limiting the ability to make comparisons between in-class interventions and those delivered outside the classroom, but highlighting the effectiveness of interventions outside the classroom. The interventions were often conducted in group sessions, based at the school, and involved activities such as play, modelling and reinforcement and clinical methods such as social skills training, psychoeducation, and exposure. Traditionally, such methods have been confined to a clinic setting. The results of the current study show that, when such methods are used in a school-based setting and involve peers, the results can be effective in reducing negative effects of shyness. This is consistent with recommendations that interventions be age-appropriate, consider social development and utilise wide, school-based programs that address all students.

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Psychosocial Treatments Investigated Within Between Group Studies

Interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include positive behavior supports (e.g., parent training, school-based contingency management, behavioral peer interventions), training interventions (e.g., organizational skills training, social skills training, etc.), and other interventions (e.g., academic accommodations/modifications, self-monitoring). There is a need to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of psychosocial treatments for ADHD given discrepancies between meta-analyses. The present meta-analysis reports the results of between-group studies that compared a psychosocial treatment to a control condition from 1968 to 2016. In total, 226 studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. Results of the meta-analysis were organized by treatment type, rater, and domain of outcome assessed. Results indicated considerable variability across these parameters, with the strongest effects for proximal outcomes of behavioral parent training (improvements in parenting behaviors yielded a standardized mean difference of 0.70) and improvements in child behavior following implementation of behavioral school intervention (standardized mean difference of 0.66 and 0.72 for teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms and impairment, respectively). Other interventions were not extensively studied as stand-alone approaches. Results are discussed in light of current support for the use of psychosocial interventions for individuals with ADHD.

Social Skills Training Using the Thai Version of UCLA PEERS® in Thai Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: To study the feasibility and effectiveness of the Thai version of UCLA PEERS® in Thai adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Materials and Methods: The UCLA PEERS® was modified to fit with Thai culture. Twelve adolescents, aged 11-19 years old, with ASD participated in this modified 10-session weekly group intervention during March to October 2015 at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Feasibility was assessed by parent satisfaction and session attendance rate. Effectiveness was assessed by social skills improvement rated by parents, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale (CGI-I).Results: All enrolled participants completed the study. Parents’ satisfaction with the program was 81.92%. The session attendance rates ranged from 83.3 to 100%. At the end of intervention, all of the skills trained in the program were rated as improved by at least half of parents. At 4-month follow-up, all but two skills (entering conversation and handling bullying) were still reported as improved by more than 50% of parents. VABS raw scores significantly increased in the domain of communication (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.25 to -0.89; p=0.036), daily living skills (95% CI: -3.70 to -0.47; p=0.016), and socialization (95% CI: -1.77 to -0.40; p=0.005), and significantly decreased in maladaptive behaviors domain (95% CI: 0.24 to 2.10; p=0.002). Six adolescents had CGI-I scores of very much improved or much improved.Conclusion: The Thai version of UCLA PEERS® is a feasible and effective social skills intervention for Thai adolescents with ASD.

The promise of precision medicine in autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a clinically and etiologically diverse developmental condition characterized by diminished social interactions, impaired communication, and repetitive and/or restrictive behaviors. Recent advances in ASD genetics pave the way for implementation of precision medicine in clinical management of autism.

The efficacy of a training program for social skills in reducing addictive Internet behaviors among Palestinian university students

BackgroundFor youth in geopolitically at-risk environments, such as Palestine, the issues related to Internet overuse and addictions are complex. Youth residing in the occupied territories of Palestine as in other highly militarized zones have high levels of environmental stressors (e.g., militarization, poverty, lack of employment opportunities, cultural pressures, etc.) and few chemical or social outlets such as alcohol, intoxicants, and leisure activities. As such, the easily accessible and unrestricted opportunities for stress-reducing social contact of social media can lead easily to excessive and maladaptive Internet use. Therefore, interventions directly aimed at awareness and education on how to manage Internet use are critical for addressing these issues in high risk populations.AimsThe purpose of the current study was to test the efficacy of a time-limited group training program aimed at improving social skills and reducing addictive Internet behaviors among university students.Methods and resultsThe sample consisted of 30 university students who self-reported high scores on an Internet addiction scale. Participants were randomly assigned to either wait list or treatment group (15 in each condition). Results demonstrated that using a social skills training program over an 8-week period improved the level of social skills and reduced addictive Internet behaviors significantly in those who experienced the intervention when compared with a wait list control group.ConclusionsThese findings support the implementation of time limited training programs targeting social skills and addictive patterns of Internet use with university students identified with high levels of Internet addictive behaviors.

Social Skills Practice Strategy Opportunities for Students With EBD

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are likely to require interventions to help them navigate the social demands of the school environment. Several meta-analyses of social skills interventions have been conducted, which have provided guidance and demonstrated the effectiveness of social skills training for students with EBD. This article details a framework for teaching and practicing social skills interventions. Included in it are descriptions of several social skills strategies and ways in which the teaching of them can be individualized to meet the needs of students with EBD.

The effectiveness of a combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training in people with schizophrenia: A rater-blinded randomized controlled trial

Introduction This study aimed to assess the impact of a holistic combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training on occupational performance, social participation, and clinical symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Method 60 people with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received standardized Social Skills Training once a week for a total of 10 sessions, while the other group received a combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training once a week for a total of 16 sessions. Results A greater increase was determined in the scores of COPM total performance/satisfaction and the Community Integration Questionnaire in the Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training group. Furthermore, these achievements were sustained in the Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training group compared to the Social Skills Training group at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion The clients received the combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training showed a better improvement compared to the Social Skills Training group in terms of occupational performance, social participation, and severity of clinical symptoms. The use of Occupational Therapy in a holistic approach in psychosocial rehabilitation of people with schizophrenia can increase their functionality and social participation. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effects of Occupational Therapy in schizophrenia.

Effectiveness of Social Skills Training to Reduce Students Aggressive Behavior

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of social skills training to reduce students aggressive behavior in the city of Makassar. This study uses 20 participants (students) from the four faculties, which are Faculty of language and literature, Faculty of Art and Design, Faculty of Engineering, and faculty of sports in the UNM. This study uses a pre-experimental design and data analysis by using t-test. The results showed that the level of aggressiveness of 20 students during the pretest in at the high category, but after being given the social skills training the level is in the low category. In addition, it shows that social skills training is effective in reducing aggressive behavior of students. The results showed that social intelligence training which includes training materials, namely (1) to train students self-consciousness (self-awareness), (2) how to express feelings, (3) students etiquette , (4) time management, and (5) conflict management to reduce students aggressive behavior at UNM. The implications of this study are that to reduce students conflict at UNM, then social skills training should be used as patterns for new student orientation for all students in all faculties at UNM.

SOCIAL PHOBIA (SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER) DURING COVID-19 IN MEDICAL INTERNSHIP STUDENTS

Background & Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 100 internship students (50 male and 50 female students). To assess Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) during COVID-19 Pandemic in medical internship students based on determination of frequency, quantifying the symptoms, severity & socio demographic profile, duration of study – conducted from May to July 2020.
 Result: In our study we found, social phobia present in 44% in males & 38% in females. ?2 = 7.714, p = 0.05, Highly significant.
 Conclusion: According to my study, frequency of Social Phobia is 82% during COVID-19 in medical internship students. Our study suggests that during COVID-19, mild and moderate degree of social phobia is maximum in medical interns of both sexes. Proper psycho education along with sessions of applied relaxation and social skills training was given to medical internship students because of their high prevalence of social anxiety disorder during COVID-19 which was quite successful.
 Keywords: social phobia, clinical, anxiety & disorder.