ABSTRACT
There was statistically significant improvement in task skills, interpersonal skills, and role functioning among participants involved in the Role Development program, especially at four weeks of treatment. Participants in the Role Development program were able to describe the positive changes they experienced as well as long-term benefits as a result of their participation in the program. Within-group tests showed that participants in the Role Development program demonstrated statistically significant improvement in interpersonal skills at the four-week posttest. The Role Functioning Scale and the Role Checklist were used as indicators of social role development. The final hypothesis stated that the longer an individual is involved in the Role Development program, the greater the effect on the development of task skills, interpersonal skills and social roles. The Role Development program provides treatment and promotes improvement in mental health to a mentally ill population in a maximum-security psychiatric setting.
