Social Skills Training in a Depressed, Visually Impaired Older Adult

Author(s)

Brad C. Donohue, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Ronald E. Acierno, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Michel Hersen, Nova Southeastern University

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

ISSN

0005-7916

Publication Date

3-1995

Abstract

A multiple baseline design was used to assess the effects of social skills training (SST) in a 65-year-old woman suffering from major depression and severe macular degeneration. Responses to role-played scenarios requiring assertiveness, in vivo requests for assistance and social involvement, self-reported assertiveness, depression, and happiness were repeatedly recorded during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases. Results showed progressive improvement in targeted social skills with SST in both clinic and home settings. Concurrent with enhanced levels of social skill were dramatic decreases of depression to a nonclinical level. Improved skill levels and diminished Geriatric Depression Scale scores were maintained during the 7-month follow-up period, except at the 6 month assessment after which booster treatment was applied to reinstate maximum improvement.

DOI

10.1016/0005-7916(94)00069-X

Volume

26

Issue

1

First Page

65

Last Page

75

NSUWorks Citation

Donohue, B. C., Acierno, R. E., Van Hasselt, V. B., Hersen, M. (1995). Social Skills Training in a Depressed, Visually Impaired Older Adult. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 26(1), 65-75.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/705