title: Social skills training in a depressed, visually impaired older adult.
abstract: A multiple baseline design was used to assess the effects of social skills training (SST) in a 65-year-old woman suffering from major depression and severe macular degeneration. Responses to role-played scenarios requiring assertiveness, in vivo request for assistance and social involvement, self-reported assertiveness, depression, and happiness were repeatedly recorded during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases. Results showed progressive improvement in targeted social skills with SST in both clinic and home settings. Concurrent with enhanced levels of social skill were dramatic decreases of depression to a nonclinical level. Improved skill levels and diminished Geriatric Depression Scale scores were maintained during the 7-month follow-up period, except at the 6 month assessment after which booster treatment was applied to reinstate maximum improvement.
authors.affiliation: Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Donohue
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Acierno
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: van Hasselt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hersen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D001242:Assertiveness; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000523:psychology*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012381:Role Playing; D012803:Sick Role; D012919:Social Behavior
chemical_list: D002998:Clonazepam; D007099:Imipramine