Problem Solving Skills Training with At-Risk Nicaraguan Children and Adolescents

Problem solving skills have been used to effectively improve behavioral, psychological, and social functioning in a number of clinical and nonclinical settings, but there is need for additional research in cross-cultural settings. Dissemination research focuses on increasing our knowledge on how to effectively deliver evidence-based health care interventions to diverse communities. In this study, 23 Nicaraguan females, ages 9-19, from a girls' home in Managua, Nicaragua received problem solving skills training, and a token economy system was implemented to measure behavior change. A significant improvement was found in the girls' problem solving ability, externalizing problems, conduct problems, and adaptive skills. Additionally, staff reported that they were satisfied with the intervention and confident in their ability to continue assessing problem solving skills.