Constructing a Workshop to Help Adults Build Satisfying, Supportive Friendships

Abstract

After reviewing the literature, no workshop appears dedicated to enhancing friendships skills of higher functioning adults. Social skills training programs exist for distinct populations, but they do not focus specifically on friendship skills. In fact, the social skills and behaviours required for recruiting and maintaining friendships are unknown (Parker & Seal, 1996, p. 2251). While social skills training may improve social acceptance, it may not increase number of friends. A workshop has been designed to help higher functioning adults improve friendship interaction skills based on the literature on friendship and social skills training. Clients who learn to actively listen, communicate effectively, self-disclose appropriately, and resolve conflicts sensitively will increase the net rewards they contribute to a relationship, thereby improving their attractiveness as a partner for friendship.