Increasing Prosocial Employment Skills for Adolescents With Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders: A Systematic Review and Quality Review

Abstract

In this systematic review, we examined interventions for increasing prosocial employment skills for adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders (EBDs). Many studies have focused on social skills related to employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. However, there is a paucity of research on employment skills for individuals with EBD. A synthesis of available literature may help inform what is currently known about supporting prosocial employment skills for this group of students. We examined components of strategies that promote successful employment outcomes for individuals with EBD. We identified 12 studies involving 2,095 transition-age students, with 249 students identified with or at risk of EBD. Findings indicate that explicit teaching of prosocial employment skills is an effective strategy for increasing these skills. Included studies were evaluated using the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.