Date of Award
12-1985
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Chris Koronakos
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
The study addressed the effect of short-term social skills training on the interpersonal conflict management skills of preschool children. A 4-week interpersonal problem-solving training program was conducted for 10 children, ages 4 to 5 years old, attending a preschool program in a midwestern city. "Intermediate criteria" which represented specific and measurable behaviors were the indices used to assess the program's effectiveness. Experimental subjects improved more than controls in (a) identifying the problem, (b) generating alternative solutions to the problem, (c) stating a probable consequence for each alternative generated, and (d) determining the acceptability of the solution to both parties involved in the conflict. Puppetry was used as the primary training modality and was shown to be an effective training tool. A pre - posttest methodology was implemented to determine effectiveness. The findings clearly demonstrate that interpersonal problem-solving skills can be effectively taught to preschoolers within the brief time frame of 4 weeks.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Kristin Gates, "The Effect of Short-Term Social Skills Training on the Interpersonal Conflict Management Skills of Preschool Children" (1985). Masters Theses. 3676.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3676