social skills training
A structured behavioral intervention that teaches specific interpersonal skills through instruction, modeling, practice, and feedback.
Full Definition
Social Skills Training (SST) is a behavioral intervention designed to help individuals develop and improve their interpersonal and social communication abilities. The training typically involves breaking down complex social behaviors into component skills, providing explicit instruction and demonstration, creating opportunities for guided practice, and offering corrective feedback. Common targets include conversation skills, assertiveness, nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, and relationship maintenance behaviors. SST employs techniques such as role-playing, behavioral rehearsal, homework assignments, and in-vivo practice. This intervention is widely used with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, schizophrenia, and various developmental disabilities.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as SST; emphasize the structured, skills-based approach to distinguish from general socialization activities.
In Context
- "The social skills training curriculum addressed eye contact, turn-taking, and appropriate conversation topics over 16 weeks." — intervention program description
- "Participants showed significant improvements in social functioning following the structured social skills training program." — pre-post outcome evaluation