The effect of rational emotional behavioral approach based communication skills program on adults communication skills and cognitive flexibility levels

The aim of this study is to examine the "The Effect of Rational Emotional Behavioral Approach Based Communication Skills Program on Adults Communication Skills and Cognitive Flexibility Levels". The members of the experimental and control group, who are the participants of the research, were selected from 750 employees of an international hotels chain operating in Turkey, who completed at least 1 year, between the ages of 18-65 and working in various positions. These individuals were placed in the experimental and control groups as 13 members randomly for unbiased assignment. However, due to the current pandemic conditions, two members from both the experiment and control groups could not participate in the post-test and follow-up test. Therefore, the findings of the research are based on the data of 11 participants, each consisting of 5 female and 6 male members in the experimental group and 6 female and 5 male members in the control group. Experimental model with pre-test and post-test control groups was used in the research. The data of the study were evaluated with the findings obtained from the Communication Skills Scale-Adult Form (CSS-AF), Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) and Personal Information Form, which were applied to the experimental and control groups within the scope of the pre-test, post-test and follow-up test. A 6-week "Rational Emotional Behavioral Approach Based Communication Skills Training Program" (REBA-CSTP) developed by the researcher, consisting of 12, 90 minute sessions, was applied to the individuals of the experimental group during the research. A group interview was conducted in which the individuals in the experimental group evaluated the training program. No interview was done with the control group. Follow-up measurements were performed four weeks after administration of the post-test. Research data were analyzed in SPSS 24.0. The margin of error in the study was determined as .05. In the study, the differences between the groups were tested with the Mann-Whitney U Test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. As a result, it was determined that the Rational Emotional Behavioral Approach-Based Communication Skills Training Program statistically significantly increased the cognitive flexibility levels and communication skills of the experimental group members. The findings obtained as a result of the research were discussed in line with the literature, and suggestions were made to individuals, researchers and practitioners. Keywords: Rational Emotional Behavioral Approach, cognitive flexibility, communication skills, empathy, active listening, perception, adults