Social Skills Training

What does the research say?

Research indicates that social skills training can be effective in managing depression, particularly when integrated with other therapeutic approaches. Studies have shown medium-to-large benefits in reducing depression symptoms, with standardized mean differences (SMDs) ranging from -0.62 to -0.33 in some cases. For example, a study on adolescents found that SST, when combined with other interventions, significantly improved depression and anxiety symptoms [4] [8] [9] .

Increased depressive symptoms in some cases

In some cases, social skills training has been associated with a small increase in depressive symptoms. For example, one study found that patients of trainees who received communication skills training reported a slight increase in depressive symptoms, with a mean increase of 2.2 points on the PHQ-8 depression scale [2] .

No significant side effects reported in most studies

Most studies on social skills training do not report significant side effects. The focus is generally on the positive outcomes, such as improved social functioning and reduced depression symptoms [4] [8] [9] .

[1] Efficacy and acceptability of psychosocial interventions in schizophrenia: systematic overview and quality appraisal of the meta-analytic evidence.

This umbrella review of meta-analyses found that social skills training (SST) was effective in reducing symptoms in schizophrenia and early psychosis, with benefits extending to depressive symptoms and social functioning.

[2] Effect of communication skills training for residents and nurse practitioners on quality of communication with patients with serious illness: a randomized trial.

This study found that communication skills training was associated with a small increase in depressive symptoms among patients, highlighting a potential unintended consequence of such interventions.

[3] Psychotherapy for depression in adults: a meta-analysis of comparative outcome studies.

This meta-analysis compared various psychotherapies for depression, including social skills training, and found no significant differences in efficacy among the major types of treatment.

[4] Effectiveness of Social Inclusion Interventions for Anxiety and Depression among Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

This review found that social skills training, when integrated with other therapeutic modalities, can be effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents.

[5] The Effects of Art Therapy and Psychosocial Skills Training on Symptoms and Social Functioning in Patients with Schizophrenia and Their Relatives.

This study explored the benefits of psychosocial skills training, including social skills training, for improving social functioning and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.

[6] Circuits for social learning: A unified model and application to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This review discusses social skills training as an intervention to enhance social learning and development, particularly in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

[7] Psychotherapy for co-occurring symptoms of depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of psychotherapy, including social skills training, for managing depression and anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

[8] Program for education and enrichment of relational skills (PEERS) training for social skills and depressed mood intervention in young adult with depression: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of social skills training in reducing depressive symptoms and improving social functioning in young adults with depression.

[9] Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training: Outcome of a Randomized Controlled Trial for Youth at Risk of Psychosis.

This study found that cognitive-behavioral social skills training (CBSST) significantly improved depression symptoms in youth at risk of psychosis, with sustained benefits at follow-up.

[10] Examining Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Symptom Change in Cognitive Behavioral Immersion: Observational Study.

This study explored the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral immersion (CBI), which includes social skills training, in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms.

[11] Communication skills intervention: promoting effective communication between nurses and mechanically ventilated patients.

This study focused on communication skills training for nurses to improve interactions with mechanically ventilated patients, though it did not specifically address depression.

[12] Social skills deficits associated with depression.

This review examined the relationship between social skills deficits and depression, highlighting the potential role of social skills training in treating depression.