Social Skills Training

Techniques aimed at improving the social capabilities of a person. As many psychological problems stem from interpersonal problems, this type of behavior therapy focuses on improving social skills via learning. The underlying assumption is that not all people are born with adept social skills and may not know how to cope interpersonally or express emotions adequately and appropriately. For example, a person may have difficul ties in expressing affection or, alternatively, may have difficulty in expressing criticism constructively. Social skills training is based on the following three components: (1) modeling, (2) behavioral rehearsal, and (3) shaping. During modeling, the person is encouraged to observe other people who act in socially appropriate manners, with the goal of this observational process being the development of new socially appropriate behaviors, such as the use of eye contact. During behavioral rehearsal, the person is asked to practice these newly acquired behaviors, while a therapist typically guides rehearsal through constructive feedback. Behavioral rehearsal culminates in the person trying out the newly learned behaviors in the “real world.” The final step of social skills training is shaping, during which the person is directed to attempt handling increasingly delicate and difficult social situations. Social skills training has been shown to be especially effective with social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and autistic spectrum disorders.