Effects of a Comprehensive Peer Engagement program on children with socially withdrawn behaviors and histories of maltreatment

Abstract

Children with history of child maltreatment often have socially withdrawn behaviors. A Comprehensive Peer Engagement Program consisting of peer mentoring and social skills training with positive reinforcement was implemented on three children with low levels of verbal interaction and engagement in social activities with peers and adults. The setting was a Midwestern urban after-school program. A multiple baseline research design was used. The dependent measures were direct observation of verbal interaction and engagement in social activities with peers and adults, pre- and post intervention Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) - Parent Version rating scale, Social Skills Rating Scale, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control rating scales for prosocial and aggressive behaviors in children. Social validity assessments were obtained on the youth, parents, staff, and experts in the field. The results showed significantly improved levels of verbal and social interaction with peers at completion of the program and three months post intervention. All children scored higher on the social skills rating scales. The social validity assessments showed favorable results for importance of goals, acceptability of intervention, and significance of effects.