Making social competence a habit

We took a decidely behavioral approach to solving this problem involving adolescent social-skills deficits. Following a functional assessment of both skill deficits and environmental contingencies, we would address the social problems presented in this case as if they were a persistent habit. Treatment would incorporate elements of simplified habit reversal technology, an empirically supported package of techniques for treating persistent habits. After teaching the client to detect, describe, and self-monitor each of the relevant aspects of both appropriate and inappropriate social behaviors, both natural and artificial supporting contingencies would be arranged to teach new or strengthen existing replacement behaviors in appropriate contexts.