Effect of Interpersonal Effectiveness Skill Training Intervention on Social Functioning and Communication Competence Among Clients With Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Background: Depressive disorders are prevalent mental health conditions that significantly impair individuals’ social functioning and communication competence. These challenges can exacerbate depressive symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that hinders recovery and overall well‐being. Despite the growing recognition of the impact of depressive disorders on social functioning and communication competence, there remains a significant gap in effective interventions addressing these specific areas.Aims: This research aims to investigate the effect of interpersonal effectiveness skill training on social functioning and communication competence among clients with depressive disorder.Design: A quasiexperimental research design.Setting: The research procedure was carried out in the outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Hospital.Subjects: The study group, which included 42 males and 18 females, and the control group had the same number of patients.Tools: After the preliminary assessment of depression, three instruments were used to collect data: a structured interview schedule that gathered sociodemographic and clinical information, the Scale of Communication Competence, and the Social Functioning Scale.Results: The study group showed a positive difference in their social functioning and communication competence score compared with the control group.Implication: The findings of this study have significant implications for the treatment and support of clients with depressive disorder by incorporating structured skill‐building programs into therapeutic regimens for individuals with depressive disorders.Conclusion: IESTI can enhance patients with depression’s ability to communicate competently and function socially.