Social Skills Training and Stress at the University: A Case Study

Abstract

The application of Social Skills Training in the university context can be effective in reducing the stress perceived by students. Therefore, the objective of this article was to describe, in the format of a single case study, the therapeutic process of a Social Skills Training carried out with a Psychology student, also presenting data regarding the effectiveness of the intervention. Pre- and post-test assessments were performed using the following instruments: Social Skills Inventory 2 (IHS2-Del-Prette), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), interviews and field diary. It was possible to verify the improvement of social skills such as refusing and making requests, dealing with criticism and exposing displeasure and requesting a change in the other’s behavior, and reduction of stress levels based on qualitative and quantitative data, with maintenance of these results in the follow-up of six weeks. It was concluded that the Social Skills Training carried out enabled the participant to improve her university experience.