Social skills training consists of learning activities utilizing
behavioral techniques that enable persons with schizophrenia
and other disabling mental disorders to acquire interpersonal
disease management and independent living
skills for improved functioning in their communities. A
large and growing body of research supports the efficacy
and effectiveness of social skills training for schizophrenia.
When the type and frequency of training is linked to the
phase of the disorder, patients can learn and retain
a wide variety of social and independent living skills. Generalization
of the skills for use in everyday life occurs when
patients are provided with opportunities, encouragement,
and reinforcement for practicing the skills in relevant situations.
Recent advances in skills training include special
adaptations and applications for improved generalization
of training into the community, short-term stays in psychiatric
inpatient units, dually diagnosed substance abusing
mentally ill, minority groups, amplifying supported employment,
treatment refractory schizophrenia, older adults,
overcoming cognitive deficits, and negative symptoms as
well as the inclusion of social skills training as part of mu