Life Skills Training in Vocational Schools: An Essential and Effective Strategy to Reduce Aggression and Bullying

The present study intended to investigate the effects of life skills training on reducing aggression and bullying among vocational school students. In so doing, a quasi-experimental method with pretest-posttest and control group design was utilized. The population included all vocational school male students in Karaj (region 2). Through convenience sampling method, 30 students were selected and were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control). First, Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ) were administered for both groups. Then, the experimental group received life skills training for eight sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Finally, both groups were assessed once more. The findings demonstrated that after intervention, total Aggression and its subscales (Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility), and also Bullying and its subscales have significantly decreased in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include life skills training in school curriculum.