title: A cognitive-behavioral approach to social skills training with shy persons.
abstract: Developed, implemented, and evaluated a social skills training program for shy persons. Twelve Ss (6 males and 6 females) were given 9 hours of social skills training, while 12 other Ss (6 males and 6 females) served as a wait-list control group. Prior to and immediately after training, Ss completed self-report measures to assess social anxiety, cognitive self-statements, and perceived ability to participate actively in social situations. Results indicated that Ss in the experimental group, relative to the control group, significantly: (a) decreased their level of social anxiety; (b) decreased their negative self-statements; and (c) increased their perceived ability to participate actively in social situations. Discussion focused on directions of future research in the area of shyness.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy*