THE EFFECT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE RESILIENCE OF WIVES OF SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS

Process resilience is the ability or consequence of successfully adapting to
threatening conditions.The purpose was to determine the effect of emotional intelligence training on the
resiliency of spouses of schizophrenia.
Materials & Methods: In this field trial study 30 spouses of schizophrenic patients were randomly
assigned to the intervention and control groups. First, three questionnaires of demography, Bar-On
emotional intelligence and Connor and Davidson resilience were completed by the intervention and
control group. At first, all three demographic questionnaires, Bar-on Emotional Intelligence, and Conner
and Davidson Resiliency were completed by the all groups. Then, by holding training sessions for 8
sessions, the intervention group received the necessary training on emotional intelligence and its skills
along with practical exercises in the sessions. Then the two questionnaires were again completed by
both intervention and control groups. Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, paired t-test and analysis of
covariance were used to analyze the data.
Results: Mean score of emotional intelligence before intervention in the intervention group was
285.87±40.308 and in the control group was 287.33±28.826. After intervention, 295.87±35.496 in
intervention group and 288.73±27.088 in control group. The mean score of resiliency in the intervention
group before the intervention was 22.80±7.876 and in the control group was 32.53±10.596. After
intervention in the intervention group 63.87±11.051 and in the control group reached 57.93±13.520.
These changes became statistically significant. (p <0.05).
Conclusion: Emotional intelligence training improved the resiliency of schizophrenic patients' wives,
while there was no significant change in resiliency in the control group before and after the intervention.
Therefore, it is recommended that emotional intelligence training be included in the educational
programs of these patients' wives