Examining the Impact of Education Based on Peplau Interpersonal Theory on Resilience in Female heads of Households

Female-headed households, due to continuous and chronic exposure to various pressures, often face psychological challenges. Resilience is a crucial variable influencing the mental health of women in such circumstances. This study aims to assess the impact of implementing the Peplau Interpersonal Theory on the resilience of female-headed household members.

This is a quasi-experimental study. The target population consisted of female-headed households covered by the Welfare Office of Khorramabad. Using convenience sampling, 60 female household heads were selected from those covered by the Welfare Office, and they were randomly assigned into two groups: control and intervention. The intervention for the experimental group included face-to-face and individual training sessions based on the Peplau theory. Data were collected using demographic information questionnaires and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale before and one month after the intervention. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests with SPSS software version 22.

Both intervention and control groups did not have statistically significant differences in terms of demographic variables and the level of resilience before the intervention (P>0.05). Comparison of the average resilience score showed a significant increase in the participants of the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001).

Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that education based on Peplau interpersonal theory increases the level of resilience in female-headed households. Therefore, counselors and welfare professionals, as well as other executive bodies, should pay special attention to improving the resilience of female-headed household members.