Problematic peer relations including interpersonal aggression can have a tremendous impact on children’s functioning and mental health. Intervention research supports the use of social skills training for decreasing aggression and antisocial behavior problems in youth as well as for improving their peer relations and social behavior. 

The primary goal of this Phase I project was to develop a prototype intervention derived from an existing evidence-based intervention (S.S.GRIN) that was adapted to meet the needs of older and more aggressive youth.  Feasibility testing conducted with school and community mental health counselors indicated very positive ratings of the materials including manual, session content, and handouts. Results also provided useful feedback to guide further development.

Phase II funding was obtained to continue development and conduct efficacy testing on this intervention, titled Social Skills Group Intervention – Adolescents (S.S.GRIN-A ).  The completed S.S.GRIN-A incorporates innovative treatment strategies and offers professionals a significant advancement over what is currently available for use with this population.  Efficacy testing of the intervention included 13-16 year old adolescents and their parents who were randomly assigned to treatment or waitlist control groups. Results indicated that youth who received the intervention demonstrated enhanced global self-concept, increased social self-efficacy, and decreased internalizing problems as compared to youth in the control group.

S.S.GRIN-A is currently available for purchase through www.selmediainc.com.