The Comparison of Social Skills, Emotional Intelligence and Depression in Students with Learning Disabilities and Normal in Elementary Schools at Maragheh city

The aim of this study was to compare the social skills, emotional intelligence and depression of students with learning disabilities and normal in primary schools in Maragheh. The method of the research study was comparative. The statistical population was all primary school students in Maragheh that were purposefully selected (with learning disabilities) and 40 normal students were selected by matching method from primary schools in Maragheh. To collect information Garsham and Eliot (1990) Social Skills Questionnaire, Bradbury and Graves (2005) Emotional Intelligence and Lang and Tisher (1983) childhood depression Questionnaire were used.  Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance and group independent t-test. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the level of social skills (social skills, cooperation, assertiveness and self-control) and emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management) of students with learning disabilities and normal in primary schools of Maragheh (P <0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between depression of students with learning disabilities and normal in primary schools in Maragheh (P <0.05). Based on the results, it was suggested that in schools, the necessary planning and coordination to use emotional intelligence training methods as well as interventions to strengthen social skills for primary school students with learning disabilities. Also use the results of the present study in the design of therapeutic interventions.