The relationship between psychosocial adaptation, daily living habits and social skills in adolescents with behavioral problems
Behavior disorders are a main concern in today's schools. Deficits in social skills are often identify as risk factors that have to be considered in the intervention strategies. The goal of this study is to predict student's levels of social skills, cooperation, self-control, assertion and empathy from psychosocial adjustment and health habits variables. This study uses one sample composed of identified BD students and non-BD students aged from 12 to 14 years old. Multiple regression analysis show that the best predictor of social skills levels for BD and non-BD samples is the student's perceived self-efficacy. The selected prediction models also include other factors like cigarette and drug use. Differences between BD and non-BD students are discussed. In conclusion, the authors propose adaptation or new interventions within social skills training programs for at-risk students with behavior problems.