The Effects of Vocational Skills Training on the On-Task Participation of Individuals With a Dual Diagnosis

Author

James LoPresti, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2012

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Behavior Analysis and Therapy

First Advisor

Greene, Brandon

Abstract

TITLE: The Effects of Vocational Skills Training on the On-Task Participation of Individuals With a Dual Diagnosis MAJOR PROFESSOR: Brandon F. Greene, Ph.D The present study was conducted to determine the effects of vocational skills training on the on-task participation and comments made by individuals with dual diagnoses during treatment sessions. The study began with a Vocational Skills/Cleaning group (treatment phase) in which researchers tracked on-task and off-task comments made by group members during the first and last ten minutes of vocational skills training. For the remaining time, participants were presented with a cleaning activity and the degree of participation in the identified activity was recorded. Next, the researcher measured the on-task and off-task comments made during the Typical Group/Psycho Social Rehab (PSR) phase involving the usual group discussions that were the common habilitative approach at the facility. Results showed that both on-task comments and on-task participation increased and were maintained above the normative levels during vocational skills training. The study also assessed two specific target behaviors for one group member who engaged in elopement and door slamming at high rates during typical group sessions. Both elopement and door slamming decreased during the treatment phase of the intervention providing additional support for the use of vocational skills training in congregate settings for adults with dual diagnoses.