Can Communication Skills Training for Veteran’s Spouses Increase Positive Communication Patterns?

Abstract: Background: War veterans are at risk for lower relationship satisfaction and higher rates of separation and divorce. Addressing communication patterns between veteran’s spouses is crucial in promoting family relationships and marriage stability. Purpose: This study determines communication training’s effect on communication patterns and positive feelings in veteran’s spouses in Iran. Material and methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on veteran spouses in the city of Najaf Abad, Iran. Ninety-six veteran spouses were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The educational intervention was implemented only in the experimental group during six sessions. The communication patterns and positive feelings questionnaire were measured before the intervention and two months afterwards. Results: After the intervention, the demand/withdraw pattern (P = 0.02) and mutual avoidance pattern (P ≥ 0.001) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group; however, the constructive communication pattern in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.01). Also in the intervention group, women’s positive feelings towards their spouse were significantly better than those of the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The finding provides evidence for the necessity of implementation of communication skills education in assistance services for veteran’s wives.