Social Skills Intervention through Role-playing: A Mixed-design Study with Youth with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to identify if there are improvements in social interaction in young people with intellectual disabilities, using a methodology based on role playing. Method. A mixed design study based on a brief intervention program of eight sessions, with a total of seven participants, was used. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were used for data collection: systematic observation, non-systematized direct observation and the Social Skills Self-Assessment Scale. Results. The intervention yielded modest results. The Wilcoxon W test shows significant differences at the general level. Observations show changes in participants’ behaviors, especially in terms of alternative responses to aggression, which were quickly replaced by peaceful strategies and dialogic attitudes.