Social Skills Training (SST) is an evidence-based intervention designed to help individuals learn and improve their social skills. SST is most commonly used to treat emotional and behavioral disorders, but it can also be used in a variety of settings. The goal of SST is to increase the individual’s ability to interact successfully with others, express emotions appropriately, and develop and maintain meaningful relationships.
Social skills are the abilities that allow us to interact effectively with others. They involve aspects such as communication, body language, problem-solving, empathy, and conflict resolution. Poor social skills can lead to social isolation and a decrease in quality of life. SST focuses on the development of social skills that are necessary for successful interactions with others, including communication, assertiveness, active listening, and empathy.
SST typically consists of four components: education, modeling, role-playing, and reinforcement. Education involves teaching individuals about the skills they need to interact successfully with others. Modeling involves demonstrating these skills in a real-world setting. Role-playing involves practicing the skills in a safe environment. Finally, reinforcement involves providing positive feedback and rewards for successful interactions.
SST has been found to be effective in treating a variety of emotional and behavioral disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Research has shown that SST is associated with improved social functioning and decreased symptoms of distress. Additionally, SST has been found to be effective in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers.
Overall, Social Skills Training is an evidence-based intervention that has been found to be effective in treating emotional and behavioral disorders. SST focuses on the development of social skills that are necessary for successful interactions with others. It consists of four components: education, modeling, role-playing, and reinforcement. SST has been found to be effective in a wide variety of settings and is associated with improved social functioning and decreased symptoms of distress.
References
Gresham, F. M., & Elliott, S. N. (1990). Social skills rating system. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Services.
Keenan, M., & Whelan, J. (2008). Social skills training for children and adolescents: A practitioner’s handbook. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Freeman, J. B., & Reinecke, M. A. (2005). Evidence-based practice in school psychology: Social skills training. School Psychology Review, 34(2), 229-242.