[Effects of social skills training for the elderly]

A training for the elderly, based on cognitive social learning principles, is evaluated. The training focuses on the social skills 'listening', 'initiating a conversation' and 'expressing your opinion'. A relaxation technique is added to reduce social anxiety, and a change of impeding thoughts is sought along rational emotive lines. The effects have been studied in a group of 34 elderly subjects, who applied for the training. Their skills were assessed by questionnaire and by behavioural observation of role plays and a naturalistic interaction. The questionnaire showed clear skill deficits at the start. A pretest-posttest-follow-up-control group design was used, in which the control group consisted of subjects waiting to participate in the training. Both between and within group comparisons of change during a training and waiting period could be made. The questionnaire scores showed clear improvements, which persisted until the follow-up at three and six months. In general, however, these effects could not be confirmed by the behavioural measures. This is in agreement with the results of comparable studies. So, the question is raised wether social skills training for the elderly only change the idea people have of their skills.