Date of Award

4-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Shelby Chorny, MS, OTRL

Second Advisor

Julia Mercier

Third Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

This capstone project examined the implementation of the Social Thinking It: Tweens and Teens curriculum to support adolescent social participation within a group-based setting. Social participation is a core domain of occupational therapy; however, many adolescents experience challenges with communication, emotional regulation, and peer relationships. This project addressed a gap in structured, evidence-based social skills programming at the capstone site. Primary objectives included implementing the Social Thinking curriculum, facilitating weekly group sessions, evaluating participant engagement, and skill development. Intervention strategies included role-playing, guided discussion, modeling, and reflective activities embedded within the curriculum framework. Outcomes demonstrated increased participant engagement and improved understanding of social concepts (e.g., boundaries, perspective-taking, and self-awareness). This project supports the use of structured and curriculum-based group interventions in occupational therapy to promote meaningful social participation among adolescents.

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