Effect of School-Based Social Skills Training Program on Peer Relationships: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a school-based social skills training program on peer relationships in children and adolescents and to assess the plan for effective school-based mental health services.; Methods: The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Promotion Team of Bugok National Hospital conducted 7-sessioned school-based social skills training for elementary and middle school students (n=90). Changes in peer relationships were evaluated before and after application of the program using a name generator question.; Results: The social skills training program increased peer relations, indicating significant changes in social network indices.; Conclusion: The social skills training program positively influenced peer relationships. The school-based social skills training program can be expected to have positive effects on school-based mental health services. Future investigation is needed to validate the long term effects of this program. (Copyright: © Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.)