The Effectiveness of Interpersonal Communication Skills and Social Problem Solving Training on Social Adjustment and Academic Achievement of Mental Retard Students

Abstract

: The aim of this research was to study the effectiveness of interpersonal communication skills and social problem solving training on social adjustment and academic achievement of mentally retarded female students of elementary schools in the city of Qom. Method: The method of the research was a quasi-experimental one based on the pre-post-Follow tests with a control group. The method for collecting data wasrandom sampling. In order to select samples, at first 2 schools from the special schools were randomly selected, then 30 students who had necessary criteria, were put in control and experimental groups. The tools used in this research were Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV, Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Revised), and UNISEF program for communication skills and social problem solving training. In order to analyze data, multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures was used. Results: The results showed significant differences on social adjustment (F=8.46, p<0.05) and academic achievement between the experimental and the control groups (F=13.48, p<0.05). Teaching these skills reduced inappropriate behaviors of educable mentally retarded students and increased their social adjustment in all subscales of Social Adjustment Scale Vineland (communication skills and social skills), it also improved their academic performance. Conclusion: The findings showed considerable impact of improving life skills. Communication skills training and social problem solving can be helpful in improving students’ social adjustment and their academic achievement.

Keywords

• communication skills
• social problem solving
• social adjustment
• academic achievement
• mental retard