Social Fitness as Social Role Play Simulations

The third set of psychological techniques utilized in Social Fitness consists of structured social role-play simulations. Drawing from an empirical clinical method developed by Dr. Henderson, these role-play simulations have been designed to help individuals learn to successfully navigate challenging social situations as defined and chosen by them. In other words, students get to pick which situations matter most to them and work on them with the support of a trusted friend or peer.

Here is how a role-play works:

1)      First, the individual identifies and describes a social situation which usually causes them moderate level of subjective distress (30-50 units on a scale of 100).

2)      Prior to the start of the role play, automatic thoughts surrounding the target situation are identified by the individual and each cognitive distortion within them is labeled.

3)      Next, the individual challenges the accuracy of each cognitive distortion (e.g. “Do I know for certain that things will go badly?”). Also, an adaptive strategy or thought is prepared by the individual to say to themselves during the peak of the upcoming challenge.

4)      Dyads or larger groups then simulate the experience defined by the individual. Aspects of the interaction may be further tweaked to keep the distress experienced in the target range.

5)      Over the course of the role-play, an individual’s distress fluctuates, remains constant, or goes down, teaching them that they have the efficacy to successfully navigate the real life corollary to the simulated situation, as well as priming them with an helpful, self-supportive response to use within it.

Over the course of a series of these role-plays, individuals develop social fitness surrounding these and related social situations. As many situations contain common elements, an individuals’ general ability to deal with unpleasant social situations also develops.