Social skills training: How can we tell if it works?

Social skills training has typically experienced difficulties associated with the selection of target behaviour and the evaluation of training effectiveness. Three approaches are discussed which depend on the use of macro‐ (or molar), micro‐ (or molecular) and midi‐level measures. Recent developments which suggest modifications to these measures are described. An Applied Behaviour Analysis model is recommended, which comprises behaviour assessment of the person identified as lacking skills and task analysis of the interaction where the person's functioning is deemed inappropriate. Finally, internal and external validity, maintenance and generalisation are briefly explored from a behavioural perspective and recommendations made concerning ways of satisfying associated criteria