The Effectiveness of Short-Term Solution-Based Therapy on Problem Solving Ability and Interpersonal Relationships among Students

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of short-term solution-based therapy on problem solving ability and interpersonal relationships in secondary school girl students. The method of this study was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of female secondary high school students in Tabriz. 30 female students from District 3 of Tabriz Education office were selected based on convenience sampling and were randomly divided into two groups of control (N=15) and experimental (N=15). The short-term solution-based therapy was administered to the experimental group in seven training sessions. After completing the training, both groups resumed post-test problem solving and interpersonal relationships. In addition, Cassidy and Long (1996) and Siegel, Smith, and Maska (2001) Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaires were used to collect the required data. Reliability of the questionnaires were checked through Cronbach's alpha coefficient which were 0.92 and 0.89 respectively. Content validity of the questionnaires were examined as well. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) results showed that short-term solution-based therapy is effective on problem solving and its dimensions and interpersonal relationships among students. Therefore, a short-term solution-based approach can be used to improve interpersonal relationships and develop problem-solving skills.