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Social Training for Adolescents: Making Positive Steps

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Alan Ralph*
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
Annette Spano
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
Heather Whitely
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
Linda Strong
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
Michael Parker
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
Wendy Pailthorpe
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
*
Psychology Department, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150
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Abstract

A rationale is provided for the development of a small group instructional approach to improving the competence of adolescents who reportedly experience difficulty making and maintaining friendships. Social problem-solving studies are briefly examined to provide support for such an approach, which is based on incorporating gradated in vivo assignments into the training process and using progress in these assignments as feedback for further assignment setting. The program, named STAMPS (Social Training for Adolescents: Making Positive Steps) is described in some detail and illustrated with data from a single case. Discussion deals with aspects of the program requiring further investigation, including the selection of peers as potential friends, and the need to modify the program to deal with broader adolescent issues including conflict with authority, teachers, and parents.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1991

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References

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