THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING ON THE ADJUSTMENT OF CHILDREN WITH NEWLY-DIAGNOSED CANCER

Randomized 64 children ages 5 to 13 years with newly diagnosed cancer to either a Social Skills Training experimental treatment group or a S chool Reintegration standard treatment group. Children who received ex plicit training in social skills reported higher perceived classmate a nd teacher social support at the 9-month follow-up in comparison to pr etreatment levels, while parents reported a decrease in internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and an increase in school competen ce. Methodological improvements for Phase III clinical trials are addr essed.