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

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.