Date of Award

8-1983

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week social skills training program upon the self-concepts of low self-concept children. The 22 third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children who participated in the study were identified by low scores on the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (PH). The coaching condition included: (a) small group instruction from an adult in social skills; (b) behavior rehearsal during game play with a peer; and (c) group post-play review with the coach. The control condition included: (a) small group interaction with the same adult on topics unrelated to social skills; (b) game play with a peer; and (c) group post-play interaction with the adult on topics unrelated to social skills. Observations of the children's social skills were made before and after treatment. The results indicated no relationship between the experimental condition's post-test self-concept scores and participation in social skills training . .l\lso, no relationship was found between post-test social skills scores and social skills training, nor between post-test self-concept scores and the combined effects of post-test social skills scores, academic abilities scores, and social skills training. Methodological shortcomings were cited to account for the experimental condition's lack of gains in social skills and thus their lack of gains in self-concept. The findings confirmed the test-retest reliability of the PH.

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Psychology Commons

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