Social skills training as a strategy to combat prejudice against sexual and gender diversity

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a social skills training program to reduce prejudice against sexual diversity. Method A total of 22 adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years who were 9th grade public school students, participated. The assessment instruments were the Social Skills Inventory for adolescents and the Scale of Prejudice Against Sexual and Gender Diversity. Both instruments were applied before and after training. Results The results indicated a significant reduction in the levels of prejudice against sexual and gender diversity, an increase in the frequency of the issuance of skills related to assertiveness, an affective approach and social resourcefulness and a decrease in the difficulties related to civility. Conclusion The social skills training program proved to be effective, indicating that this is a viable tool for greater acceptance of sexual and gender diversity.