Training of conversational skills with institutionalized elderly: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Elderly individuals in residential care homes often experience diminished social interaction and increased depression.
• Improving conversational skills can enhance quality of life and social integration for older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a social skills training program for elderly residents in a care home.
• To assess the impact of the training on conversational skills, depression, and assertive behaviors.

Main Methods:

• 16 residents were randomly assigned to an experimental group or two control groups (placebo, waiting list).
• The experimental group received training using behavior rehearsal, feedback, modeling, reinforcement, instructions, and homework.
• Conversational skills, depression (Zung's Self-rating Scale), and response types (assertive, aggressive, inhibited) were measured.

Main Results:

• Experimental subjects demonstrated significant improvements in conversational skills, including information exchange.
• A significant decrease in depression scores was observed in the experimental group compared to controls.
• The training led to increased assertive responses and decreased aggressive and inhibited responses.

Conclusions:

• Social skills training is a potentially effective intervention for enhancing social functioning in elderly care home residents.
• The program shows promise for improving mental well-being and social behavior in this population.
• The observed benefits were maintained at a 3-month follow-up, indicating lasting effects.