Efficacy of short-tarm instruction of life skills

In order to investigate the efficacy of short-term life skills instruction, two classes of female students in Bent-ol-Hoda high school in region 18 of Tehran were selected randomly (n=63) and were divided into an experimental (n=33) and a control group (n=30). the experimental group received a 6-session course in social communication and interpersonal skills while the control group continued their normal courses. These two groups were tested by Matson's Scale of Social Skills before and after the instruction. The data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA. Results showed a significant decrease in impulsiveness of the experimental group compared with the control group. No significant difference was found in other variables. Although there is no particular evidence concerning the effect of short term instruction on social skills of Matson's scale and it is not possible to compare the findings of this study with other studies, regarding the nature of the other four skills, it seems that in order to change these factors, in addition to some modifications in the content of instruction, (for instance including some other life skills), the length of instruction should be increased. However, since impulsiveness is considered an important problem, the results of this study can be employed in promotion of students' mental health.