EVALUATING AIDS-RELATED SOCIAL SKILLS IN ANGLO AND LATINO ADOLESCENTS- FOCUS ON ASSESSMENT

The purpose of this study was to examine the assessment of AIDS-relate d social skills (measured by role play) in Angle and Latino adolescent s (N = 383) and to explore ethnic and gender differences on these skil ls. Eight skills were assessed on five measures evaluating molar, mole cular, verbal, and nonverbal dimensions of behavior. Interrelationship s between skills and measurement dimensions were examined using factor analysis. Results revealed that Anxiety and Nonverbal Behavior each l oaded across different skills on individual respective factors, wherea s verbal content and assertiveness measures loaded by skill on separat e factors. Differences in skill emerged between female and male, and L atino and Angle youth. preliminary social validity data were collected for the skills assessed Social validity results were skill specific, with judges validating certain skills and certain measurement dimensio ns more than others. implications for future assessment and interventi on research of AIDS-related social skills are discussed.