Patients and Social Skills Groups: Is Social Skills Training Enough?

Abstract

Eighteen young adult out-patients with social interaction difficulties were treated using a multifaceted group approach, which incorporated skills training, anxiety reduction and cognitive restructuring techniques. They were assessed before and after treatment, and at 2-year follow-up. A non-clinical comparison group was assessed using the same measures. The treatment group showed significant improvement on measures of social performance, social anxiety and self-esteem, which was maintained at 2-year follow-up. Individual results are reported, which show differing patterns of change. The implications of using anxiety reduction and cognitive restructuring techniques with social skills training are discussed.