Background: Chronic mental illnesses affect cognitive status and behavior, which lead to social and communication impairment and behavioral problems. This research investigated the influence of communication skills training on aggression and quality of life of the patients with chronic mental illnesses.
Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest. First, a total of 30 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 group received techniques of communication skills for 10 sessions (each session 60 minutes, one session per week). The research instruments were The World Health Organization Quality of Life and Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: Our findings indicated that the means of quality of life scores (F=41.62, P=0.001) and aggression (F=11.30, P=0.002) were significantly different between research groups after the intervention.
Conclusion: Communication skills training improve behavioral problems and quality of life in patients with chronic mental illnesses. Thus, it is necessary to use these skills to prevent and decrease behavioral problems and promote social skills in patients with mental disorders.