Evaluation of a social-skills training group intervention with children treated for brain tumors: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a manual-based, social-skills training, group intervention to improve social skills and social functioning of children treated for brain tumors, and to assess the impact of cognitive functioning on the effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods: Three social-skills training group interventions, each comprised of 5 to 7 children ages 8 to 14 years, were conducted. A parent component was included. In total, 13 children and their parents and teachers completed standard measures prior to and 9 months after the intervention. Children participated in a neuropsychological test battery at baseline.

Results: Social skills and social functioning variables changed in the direction of improved functioning, with several scores showing significant improvement from baseline to the follow-up assessment. Small to medium effect sizes were documented. Higher verbal and nonverbal functioning were associated with greater improvement.

Conclusions: Findings are suggestive of the potential effectiveness of social-skills training in groups for children with brain tumors. Multisite, randomized, controlled studies are recommended as the next step.