A cognitive-behavioral approach to social skills training with shy persons

Developed, implemented, and evaluated a social skills training program for shy persons. Twelve Ss (6 males and 6 females) were given 9 hours of social skills training, while 12 other Ss (6 males and 6 females) served as a wait-list control group. Prior to and immediately after training, Ss completed self-report measures to assess social anxiety, cognitive self-statements, and perceived ability to participate actively in social situations. Results indicated that Ss in the experimental group, relative to the control group, significantly: (a) decreased their level of social anxiety; (b) decreased their negative self-statements; and (c) increased their perceived ability to participate actively in social situations. Discussion focused on directions of future research in the area of shyness.