NCJ Number
153370
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 17 Issue: 6 Dated: (December 1994) Pages: 521-531
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study tests whether or not an individualized-treatment component in a social skills program for adolescents provides more effective results than a standardized package.
Abstract
Within a group social skills training program, adolescents aged 12-13 years old of mixed gender were allocated to either an Individualized Training (IT) group (n=14) or a Standardized Training (ST) group (n=12). All clients were offered a standardized group package, but IT clients were given individualized homework assignments, which were followed up in the subsequent session. These assignments were tailored to the social development needs of each client as indicated by the assessment procedure. Therapist effects were controlled by crossing over two pairs of therapists; equal numbers of each group were trained by each pair of therapists. The therapists were blind to the aim of the study. The program continued over 2 years, with each client receiving 10 weeks consecutive training. Dependent measures included a self- report questionnaire, a sociometric questionnaire, and a role- taking test. The results suggested that individualized training was superior to standardized training. Skills important for friendship-making were included in the program, and provision was made for meeting the needs of both impulsive and unassertive adolescents within the group training. 1 table and 18 references