Effects of Communication Skills Training on Aggression and Quality of Life of Male Patients with Chronic Mental Illnesses

Abstract

Background: Chronic mental illnesses affect cognitive status and behavior, which lead tosocial and communication impairment and behavioral problems. This research investigated theinfluence of communication skills training on aggression and quality of life of the patients withchronic mental illnesses.Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest. First, a total of30 patients with chronic mental illnesses were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Next,they were randomly assigned into the control and experimental groups. The experimental groupreceived techniques of communication skills for 10 sessions (each session 60 minutes, onesession per week). The research instruments were The World Health Organization Quality of Lifeand Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted through analysisof covariance (ANCOVA).Results: Our findings indicated that the means of quality of life scores (F=41.62, P=0.001) andaggression (F=11.30, P=0.002) were significantly different between research groups after theintervention.Conclusion: Communication skills training improve behavioral problems and quality of lifein patients with chronic mental illnesses. Thus, it is necessary to use these skills to prevent anddecrease behavioral problems and promote social skills in patients with mental disorders.