The Effectiveness of Interpersonal Communication Skills Training on Empathy and Assertiveness of Veterans’ Wives

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of interpersonal communication skills training on empathy and assertiveness among veterans’ wives in Khomeini Shahr. This semi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The population consisted of approximately 1,100 veterans’ wives in Khomeini Shahr, from whom 30 participants were purposively selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 each). The experimental group received eight weekly 90-minute sessions of interpersonal communication skills training, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Gambrill and Richey Assertiveness Questionnaire and the Jolliffe and Farrington Empathy Scale. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used for data analysis. Results of MANCOVA revealed a significant effect of the intervention on overall empathy and its emotional–affective and cognitive dimensions (p<0.001). The training also had a significant effect on overall assertiveness and all its components including initiating interactions, confronting others, providing negative feedback, responding to criticism, refusing unreasonable requests, helping in difficult situations, awakening others’ conscience, participating in joyful conversations, praising others, accepting personal limitations, and managing troublesome situations (p<0.001). Interpersonal communication skills training is an effective intervention for enhancing empathy and assertiveness among veterans’ wives and can substantially improve marital relationships and family mental health.