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The importance of setting and measuring individual treatment goals for adolescents learning improved prosocial behaviour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Alan Ralph
Alan Ralph*
Affiliation:
Murdoch University
*
Department of Psychology and Sociology, James Cook University, TOWNSVILLE QLD 4811
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Extract

This paper describes a structured problem-solving approach for successfully engaging adolescents having difficulties with social interactions. Counselling is conducted on a 1-to-1 basis and aimed at increasing verbal problem-solving behaviour, such as setting relevant goals and identifying behaviour likely to result in increased, pleasurable contact with peers, consistent with the attainment of the selected goals. In addition to a number of self-report questionnaire measures, a diary was designed to monitor changes in peer interactions. Individual progress data are presented for 3 adolescents who participated in a 10-week program designed to assist them to develop improved prosocial behaviour with their peers. The data illustrate the importance of accurately determining precise goals for each adolescent and developing a collaborative approach between counsellor and adolescent to ensure that these goals accurately reflect the wishes and needs of the adolescent.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 6 , Issue S1: ‘Teaching Prosocial Behaviour to Adolescents’ a Special Edition of the Australian Journal of" Guidance and Counselling , May 1996 , pp. 77 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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