The Effect of Problem- Solving Training on Social Skills of Preschool Children

Social skills are accepted and learned social behaviors that improve communication with others and improve the quality of life and play an important role in effective communication and social acceptance. On the other hand, problem solving is one of the most important skills that can preserve and enhance childrenchr('39')s mental health in the face of present and future problems, so the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of problem solving on preschool childrenchr('39')s social skills.

The method of this study was a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and follow up with control group. The preschool children of Kermanshah in the academic year of 2017-2018 formed the statistical population of this study. 24 children (16 boys and 8 girls) were selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. Social Skills Rating Scale (Gersham & Elliott, 1990) was used to collect data. Pre-test was performed in both groups, then the experimental group received 16 sessions of problem solving skills training while the control group did not receive targeted intervention. Then, post-test was performed on both groups. After four months, the follow-up period was administered to both groups to evaluate the stability of the results over time. Finally, data were analyzed by repeated measure test and SPSS-20 software.

Findings showed that problem solving training in two stages of post-test and follow-up increased social skills (including cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility and self-control) in preschool children (p <0.001).

Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that problem solving skills are related to how to solve problems and manage life issues, so teaching these skills to the child improves effective interaction and communication and interpersonal relationships. In this study problem-solving skills training has been able to reinforce the favorable cooperation, responsibility, and interpersonal interaction in children and has ultimately increased the social skills of the individuals in the experimental group.