This study reports on the short-term effects of a social skills training program for adult inmates. The method is based on Goldstein’s structured learning therapy, which emphasizes teaching social skills in a step-by-step manner. The participants were 102 male offenders ages 19 to 60 who were incarcerated at two correctional facilities in the Netherlands. Using a quasi-experimental design, participants were assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The effects were evaluated using self-report measures and staff observations 2 weeks after training. The experimental group showed significant improvement from pretest to posttest in social knowledge and social interaction. Participation in the training resulted in decreased social anxiety and increased positive feelings in everyday social situations but did not change direct or indirect aggressive behavior. Individual characteristics did not predict a better training outcome.
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