What is a primary focus of social skills groups in interventions?

The primary focus of social skills groups in interventions is on empathy development and social interactions. These groups are specifically designed to enhance individuals' ability to navigate social situations, build relationships, and engage effectively with others. Empathy is a critical component of social skills, as it allows individuals to understand and respond to the feelings and perspectives of others, leading to more meaningful interactions.

By concentrating on these areas, social skills groups facilitate practice in real-life scenarios, helping participants learn how to communicate, share, cooperate, and develop friendships. This approach often includes role-playing, group discussions, and guided activities designed to promote active engagement and understanding of social cues, which are essential for successful interpersonal relationships.

In contrast, one-on-one instruction does not capture the group dynamic and the benefits of peer interaction that social skills groups offer. Strictly focusing on academic skills development overlooks the broader goals of social competence, and avoiding verbal communication is counterproductive to the objectives of building social skills. Therefore, prioritizing empathy and social interactions underscores the foundation of effective social skills training, making it the correct answer.