The effect of communication skills training on the self-concept and loneliness of students with hearing impairment

The purpose of the present research was to examine the effectiveness of communication skills training on the self-concept and loneliness of students with hearing impairment. The research method was experimental with a pretest-posttest design including a control group. The sample consisted of male students with hearing impairment studying at junior high school in Sari. Thirty students were selected by simple random sampling and randomly assigned to one experimental (n=15) and one control (n=15) group. To collect data, revised loneliness scale and Rojerse's self-concept scale were used. The program of communication skills was executed in 8 weekly sessions for 90 minutes in the experimental group. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that communication skills training decreased loneliness feeling but increased self-concept in students with hearing impairment. These results could support the application of social skills training in academic courses for students with hearing impairment.