Social Skills Training, Prosocial Behavior, and Aggressiveness in Adult Incarcerated Offenders

• NCJ Number: 187928
• Journal: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 45 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 244-251
• Author(s): Gerard M. Schippers; Nicole Marker; Laura De Fuentes-Merillas
• Date Published: April 2001
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This quasi-experimental study reports on the short-term effects of a social skills training program for adult inmates in the Netherlands; the program used Goldstein’s structured learning therapy, which emphasizes teaching social skills in a step-by-step manner.

Abstract

The participants were 102 male offenders 19- to 60-years-old who were incarcerated at 2 correctional facilities. The research assigned the participants to either an experimental or a control group. The study evaluated the effects using self-report measures and staff observations 2 weeks after training. Results revealed that the experimental group displayed significant improvement from pretest to posttest in social knowledge and social interaction. Participation in the training resulted in decreased social anxiety and increased positive feelings in everyday social situations, but did not change their direct or indirect aggressive behavior. In addition, individual characteristics did not predict a better training outcome. Table and 24 references (Author abstract modified)