Enhancing Self-Determination and Working Memory in Individuals with Visual Impairments: Efficacy of Social Skills Training

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Keywords:

Self-Determination, Working Memory, Social Skills Training, Visual Impairments, Cognitive Training, Randomized Controlled Trial, Rehabilitation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social skills training on enhancing self-determination and working memory in individuals with visual impairments.

A randomized controlled trial design was used, involving 40 participants with visual impairments, randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent ten 60-minute sessions of social skills training over four months, while the control group received no specific intervention. Self-determination was assessed using the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report (SDI), and working memory was measured using the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ). Data were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and a four-month follow-up. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted using SPSS version 27. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-determination from pre-intervention (M = 45.25, SD = 6.34) to post-intervention (M = 58.43, SD = 5.27) and at the four-month follow-up (M = 55.37, SD = 5.82). Similarly, working memory scores improved from pre-intervention (M = 39.18, SD = 7.24) to post-intervention (M = 51.22, SD = 6.05) and were maintained at follow-up (M = 48.76, SD = 6.50). The ANOVA results indicated significant main effects for self-determination (F(2, 76) = 41.52, p < .001, η² = 0.53) and working memory (F(2, 76) = 38.19, p < .001, η² = 0.50), as well as significant time x group interaction effects (self-determination: F(2, 76) = 32.35, p < .001, η² = 0.46; working memory: F(2, 76) = 31.88, p < .001, η² = 0.45). The findings demonstrate that social skills training is significantly effective in enhancing self-determination and working memory in individuals with visual impairments. These improvements were sustained over a four-month follow-up period, suggesting the potential of such interventions to positively impact cognitive and social functioning in this population.

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Author Biographies

  • Jingjing Ying , Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China

    Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China

  • Fatemeh Rajabi Fard, PhD student Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    PhD student Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

  • Hale Rostami, M.A Clinical Psychology, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    M.A Clinical Psychology, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 

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Published

2023-01-01

How to Cite

Ying , J., Rajabi Fard, F., & Rostami, H. (2023). Enhancing Self-Determination and Working Memory in Individuals with Visual Impairments: Efficacy of Social Skills Training. Psychological Research in Individuals With Exceptional Needs, 1(1), 41-49. https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/prien/article/view/3013