Effectiveness of psycho-social skill training packages for drivers on their emotional management and mental health

Abstract

Introducation: According to the studied literature, driving accidents followed by cardiovascular diseases, is the second cause (the first in the age group below 40 years) leading to deaths in Iran. Based on research, accidents are affected by mental health status, behavioral problems and attitudes of drivers. The aim of the present study is to prepare psycho-social skill training packages for drivers and investigating its effectiveness on mental health. Its negative effects such as anxiety and aggression have been also studied.Method: The present study was a quasi-experimental design with a single pretest - posttest group. The sample included 350 bus drivers in Tehran whom were randomly divided into 10 groups and received training. All the participants, in both the two stages of pre-test and post-test completed the Redford's Williams Hostility Inventory, Trait-State Anxiety Inventory of Adulthood and Mental Health Inventory. The educational package of the psycho-social intervention for drivers was carried out in 9, 80 minute sessions at the Khaje- Nasir University. For data analysis, the dependent t-test and repeated measures were used.Results: Results of the hostility scale showed that means of pre-test and post-test have no significant difference with each other. In addition, the findings of the t-test on state anxiety showed that the mean of pre-test and post-test do not have any significant difference either. Results of the mental health scale(with two subscales) showed that the means of the pre-test and post-test did not have any significant differences. Also the effects on psychological distress component was higher than psychological well-being.Conclusion: Participating in the workshop, has led to decreasing the mean level of hostility, anxiety and psychological distress, although the difference was not considerable. The training package of psycho-social skills also has led to increasing the mean of psychological well-being and reducing psychological distress.