Evaluation of a group-based social skills training for children with problem behavior

This study evaluated a group-based training program in social skills targeting reduction of problem behaviors in N = 161 children between 7 and 13 years of age. The effects of the intervention were tested in a quasi-experimental study, with a follow-up assessment 12 months after an optional continuation camp. At the post-test, both the experimental and control group showed less social problems and internalizing problems, whereas only the experimental group showed a small and positive change in social anxiety. After a 12 month follow-up, a subsample of the experimental group (children who followed a continuation camp) showed large positive changes for all outcome measures, except for externalizing problems, showing a small effect.

► A social skills training was evaluated targeting reduction of problem behaviors. ► The children enrolled in the training were between 7 and 13 years of age. ► Effects were tested in a quasi-experimental study, with a 12 months follow-up. ► Only the experimental group showed a small and positive change in social anxiety. ► One year later, positive changes were still evident in the experimental group.