Teaching Competence in Residential Group Care.

A residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed preadolescents hosted an evaluation of cognitive and behavioral social competence training. Participants were 45 young men of 51 enrolled at the center. Post-test measurement showed boys in the problem solving and interpersonal skill training conditions had better conceptual abilities and overt comportment than boys in the problem solving only or discussion and test only conditions. No significant differences were found on locus of control scores or on ratings of videotaped performance tests. Study findings have implications for future research and treatment with emotionally disturbed youth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]