Equipping with Social Interaction Skills

Abstract

This chapter provides the RAC curriculum component designed to remedy the social interaction skill limitations (the second “D,” social skill deficiencies) characteristic of many offenders. Social skills are conceptualized as balanced and constructive social behaviors in difficult interpersonal situations. The curriculum relates learning social skills to learning the steps or phases entailed in learning any skill (bicycling, swimming, etc.): after someone models or demonstrates the skill, the learner tries out (enacts) the skill, receives helpful feedback, and practices the skill in actual situations. Virtual Immersion Therapy (VIT), a supplementary technique for more intensive enactment and practice, is described. Ten participant handouts for equipping offenders with social interaction skills are provided at the end of the chapter, along with a pertinent Facilitator or Reviewer Evaluation form.