A multiple-baseline analysis of social-skills training in chronic schizophrenics

Social-skills training was applied to two male chronic schizophrenics. Component behaviors of social skill requiring modification were identified for each patient by rating videotapes of role-played interactions. Training involved instructions and feedback for one subject and instructions, feedback, and modelling for the second. Target behaviors were treated sequentially and cumulatively in a multiple-baseline format. Training was applied for both positive and negative assertion and for situation involving males and females. The results were positive for all behaviors for both patients. Follow-ups at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after training indicated that most effects were maintained at near-treatment levels.