This study investigated whether collaborative and socially sensitive behaviors, necessary in group problem solving, can be taught to emotionally disturbed children in residential treatment centers. The sample consisted of 180 males ranging in age from nine through 12 years in 12 residential centers. The children were required to perform a performance-situational task of three construction type problems, to assess their skill in social relations. They were scored according to two criteria: the Planning Stage, during which a plan of action was devised, and the Operations Stage, during which the group put its plan into effect. Participation, communication, ideas, quality of the plan, involvement, autonomy, atmosphere, activity and success were all evaluated for each child. Analyses of posttest variables of the experimental group (exposed to a film modeling cooperative behaviors) and the control group (exposed to a "neutral" film) indicated that modeling of behaviors through a filmed technique can produce positive changes in the cooperative group behaviors of children identified as emotionally disturbed. (Author/KS)