[Training and social competence: single case analysis of behavior and cortisol]

The aim of this study is to control the effectiveness of a training in social competence within the framework of a stationary therapy by means of observable behavior and to regard the course of salivary-serum- and urine cortisol in parallel with expected changes in behavior. The behavior assessment showed, that apart from anxiety and a deficiency in social competence, lack of trust and helplessness were essential variables (symptoms). Against the theoretical background of contemporary research in trust and helplessness it was tried to find relations between these factors and to show up relevance for therapy in the case in point. Guided by hypotheses the effects of training and therapy are verified by systematic observation of behavior as well as a significant change of the salivary cortisol values. The development of the therapy and the graphic similarity between the sequence of urine cortisol and the formalized Wortman-Dintzer-Model suggest a corresponding interpretation reservedly. In parallel with Seligman's theories the process could refer to psychophysiological connections between helpless behavior and urine cortisol.