Expectancies, perceptions and beliefs associated with the generalization of criticism skills over a one year interval.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess post-program cognitions and experiences which were hypothesized to play a role in the generalization of social skills over time. In particular, self-efficacy perceptions, outcome expectancies, outcome values, and anxiety were assessed through a Biographical Inventory before participation in a social skills program. The Inventory was then used to assess the subjects' experiences once a month for three months after the program, and one year following the program. Subjects who demonstrated generalization on in-vivo, role-play, or self-report measures of giving and receiving criticism over the one year were contrasted, on their responses to the Biographical Inventory, with those who showed little or no generalization. Results from the in-vivo and self-report measures indicated that the high generalization group differed from the low generalization group in their post-program experiences with giving and receiving criticism. Higher self-efficacy perceptions and the perception of positive consequences were evident for the high generalization group for experiences involving criticism. The results are discussed in relation to self-efficacy theory.