The Study of Effectiveness of Felner Social Competence Model Instructional Programs on Intellectual Disabled Girls Social Skill and Social Growth

The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of social skill training on the social growth of girls between 10 to 15 years old with intellectual disability on the base of Felner Social Competence Model. To fulfill this goal, the pre test, post test and control group was used. The research population includes all intellectual disabled girls between 10-15 years old studying in exceptional schools (N=91) of Urmia in the educational year of 2008-2009. The sample size was 40 students which divided into experimental (n=20) and control groups (n=20) randomly. Both groups were paired in accordance with intelligence quotient and age. An educational plan based on the elements of Felner model was designed and performed in 30 sessions. Both groups were pre tested and post tested by social skill test and Vineland Social Maturity Scale. In order to analyze the data, the dependent t-Test and analysis Covariance were used. The results revealed that training based on Felner Social Competence model improved social skills and development (p<0.01). The results obtained from covariance indicated a significant difference between the scores before and after tests in both groups for social skill variable (0.68 - Eta, F-70.56) and social development variable (Eta -0.41, F-46.32). The comparison of Eta coefficients and F for social growth and skill variables revealed that training has been more effective on social skills.