A Social Problem-solving Intervention for Children at High Risk for Later Psychopathology

Children manifesting early difficulties in interpersonal relations, particularly with peers, have been shown to be at risk for later maladjustment and psychopathology. This study examined the efficacy of an intervention program designed to improve social problem-solving skills in child psychiatric outpatients exhibiting behavior problems. This intervention was expected to both lessen maladaptive behaviors and to engender competent and generalizably adaptive behaviors, which would preventively equip children to better cope with stressful events. Thirty-five boys, aged 7-12, served as subjects; due to attrition, 23 completed the study. Subjects received pre-intervention and post-intervention testing on behavioral and cognitive measures. Experimental subjects participated in a group social problem-solving (SPS) intervention, whereas controls received usual and customary treatment provided by the clinic. Results demonstrated improvement for experimental subjects in social-cognitive skills, reduction of behavi...