Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Social Competence in Physically Disabled Adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of social group work interventions with cognitive behavioral approach on social competence in physically disabled adolescents.  Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test and control group design. The statistical population included physically disabled adolescents aged 13-18 years who were referred to the Center of Rehabilitation and Vocational Training in Sanandaj City, Iran, to participate in educational programs. To this end, 30 physically disabled adolescents were selected based on inclusion criteria and were divided into 2 matching groups (intervention and control). Social competence questionnaire was completed by both groups at the beginning and at the end of training. The intervention group was trained for 8 weeks in terms of social competence, whereas the control group received no special training. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS. The Chi-square, Independent samples t-test, and Paired t test were used to verify the study assumptions. Results: Comparing the intervention group with the controls before and after training reveled that teaching patients with cognitive behavioral strategies had a significant impact on increasing their social competence (Mean±SD, 181.66±17.88 versus 120.93±10.47; P=0.0001) and its dimensions (cognitive, behavioral, emotional and motivational) of the former group.  Discussion: It seems that one of the efficient methods to increase social competence among physically disabled adolescents is cognitive behavioral therapy within the social group work. Thus, coaches and teachers of this group are recommended to use this method, to increase their social competence and subsequently increasing their presence in public areas.