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Objective: This social work research evaluates the effectiveness of an advanced, experimental treatment program for improving social skills with 6 developmentally disabled adults in a vocational training project. Method: The effectiveness of the group treatment program was evaluated using multiple baseline designs replicated for 6 participants across six social skills. The intervention was developed in a previous study, and the skills were selected using a needs assessment. Results: Results were mixed, and treatment gains from baseline to treatment phases were inconsistent across skills and participants. A 1-year follow-up assessment revealed that posttreatment skill levels were usually maintained. Conclusions: These results only partially support the effectiveness of the group treatment program. Possible explanations for this conclusion are given, and clinical implications for social workers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This first of two social work studies with developmentally disabled adults evaluates the effectiveness of a social skills training package in a replication of Bates (1980). Two groups of four trainees from vocational training programs were organized at two sites, respectively (n = 8). Both groups received a 12-session training package designed to improve social skills in four domains. A multiple baseline design across skills was used to evaluate effectiveness for individuals in each group, with skills assessed using a 16-situation role-play test. As a result of training, participants improved in skill performance using the role-play test, but an in-vivo assessment showed little change. Thus it was concluded that the treatment package was effective in improving social skills, but not powerful enough to effect significant changes in other settings. Suggestions are given concerning treatment effectiveness and implications for social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]