Efficacy of a Short-Term, Intensive Social Skills Training Program for Burned Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy of an intensive, short-term social skills training program in improving the psychosocial adjustment of burned adolescents. Sixty-four adolescents who had suffered a burn injury 2 years previously or longer and who were identified as having psychosocial difficulties (elevated behavioral problems and/or diminished competence) were assigned randomly to receive the treatment intervention or to serve as controls (32 in each group). The intervention was a social skills training curriculum provided in a small group residential format. Didactic and experiential techniques were used in a schedule of activities during a 4-day period. One year after the training program, the group who had received the treatment showed significantly more improvement than did the control group. The program appears to offer advantages to a sizeable group of pediatric burn survivors and indicates the need for further study of interventions to enhance psychosocial competence in the development of pediatric burn survivors.

The experiences of older adults living with an appearance altering burn injury: An exploratory qualitative study

“…In support of this, researchers have argued that those with a visible difference and higher levels of social skills experience more positive social interactions (Rumsey, Bull & Gahagen 1986;Blakeney et al, 2005). The current study's findings and previous research suggest healthcare professionals and support organisations should ensure that social skills training that specifically incorporates the needs of older adults, is available and accessible.…”

From survival to socialization: A longitudinal study of body image in survivors of severe burn injury

“…Robinson et al [51] reported that participation in a 2-day Changing Faces workshop was associated with improved overall anxiety and social anxiety 6 months later among 64 patients with a variety of facial disfigurement types, although there was no control group. Recently, Blakeney et al [53] adapted the Changing Faces workshop social skills curriculum to develop a 4-day workshop program for adolescent burn survivors who had been burned at least 2 years previously. Adolescents who attended the workshop program showed somewhat more improvement in behavioral and emotional variables compared to a control group 1 year later.…”

Visible difference amongst children and adolescents: Issues and interventions

“…Peer support is widely recognized to be a potent factor in positive adjustment for teenagers with a visible difference (see, for example, Blakeney et al [25]), but establishing supportive relationships with peers can prove challenging. Joining an acceptable social grouping can be particularly hard if social confidence has been eroded, for example as a result of prior teasing about appearance.…”

“…Some may become defensive and socially avoidant, or may limit their social groups to one or two peers with whom they feel safe [34]. Blakeney et al [25] reported that in the region of 40-50% of burned children and adolescents demonstrate a lack of social competence which can significantly impair their psychosocial wellbeing. Once relationships have been established, concerns about the visible difference may cause ongoing difficulties, for example in developing intimate relationships.…”

“…For example, blending in with the crowd is not an option for those with facial burns [25]. New strategies must be developed to deal with the reactions of unfamiliar others and initiative and good social skills may be required to progress beyond initial encounters to form new friendships and relationships.…”