Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for socially incompetent children: Short-term and maintenance effects with a clinical sample

Presented a multisite treatment-outcome study designed it0 investigate the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral group therapy for clinically referred, socially incompetent children. The treatment was aimed at both externalizing and internalizing 8- to 12-year-old children. Seventy-two children referred to outpatient mental health centers for peer relationship problems received 20 weekly sessions of group treatment. Each treatment group consisted of 6 children. Thirty children acted as a waiting list control group. Treatment outcome was assessed by teacher and parent reports on social behavior, sociometrics, and self-reported social anxiety and negative self-evaluation. The results reveal that, after treatment, children exhibited more appropriate social behavior. An increase in peer acceptance and an increase in the number of friendships were found. These effects were sustained at 4- to 5-month follow-up assessments. Post hoc multivariate analyses of variance revealed no differential treatment effects for sex or type of behavior problems.