The efficiency of life skill training on emotional intelligence in chronic addicted women with a history of spousal abuse

BACKGROUND: Low emotional intelligence (EI) could affect individuals' coping strategies and make them vulnerable to violence and addiction. This study aims to study the effect of life skill training to improve EI in chronic addicted women with a history of spousal abuse. METHODS: The study was semi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design. Conducted between October 2016 and January 2017, this study included women addicted to cannabis with a history of spousal abuse referring to some addiction intervention clinics in Tehran, Iran. 30 individuals were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and also cut-off point for EI using the convenience sampling method. They were then assigned to two groups randomly (each group n = 15). In six sessions, the experimental group received life skill training and the control group were in the waiting list. Both groups were evaluated in baseline and after the intervention by Ghahari's domestic violence questionnaire and Bar-on Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS software. RESULTS: The experimental group had improvements in total score and components of EI including interpersonal EQ (F = 312.30, P < 0.050) and intrapersonal EQ (F = 295.04, P < 0.050). CONCLUSION: Life skill training could improve EI in addicted women with a history of spousal abuse.