Group-Based Intervention Enhancing Interpersonal Competence among Chinese Social Work Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Group-Based Intervention Enhancing Interpersonal Competence among Chinese Social Work Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
This study developed and evaluated a group-based intervention aimed at enhancing interpersonal competence among undergraduate social work students.
Method
A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among social work undergraduate students at a university in mainland China. Participants were allocated to either an intervention group (n = 118), which received six sessions targeting empathy, interpersonal conflict coping, and social support seeking, or a waitlist control group (n = 120).
Results
Analyses using linear mixed models indicated significant improvements in overall interpersonal competence, including empathy, coping strategies for interpersonal conflict, social support seeking, and general communication competence.
Discussion
This pilot study offers initial evidence that a group-based intervention can improve interpersonal competence among social work undergraduates. The program shows potential for incorporation into social work curricula to enhance communication and relationship-building abilities.
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