impact of a life skills education package on improving the cognitive-behavioral abilities of marginalized women

Background: a significant number of marginalized women lacked confidence, communication skills, and assertiveness. the aim of this study was to assess the impact of our previously developed life skills educational package for marginalized women on enhancing their cognitive-behavioral abilities. methods: a qualitative-focused interview was conducted from june 2021 to may 2023. selected marginalized women were living in the peripheral areas of isfahan, tehran, zahedan, and mashhad. the teaching package focuses on active learning methods and provides a three-month training course for self-awareness skills, effective communication, and emotional regulation, which includes two booklets: a teacher’s guide and a workbook. samples were selected using purposeful sampling with an emphasis on “intensity.” the sample size was determined by theoretical saturation. data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the maxqda software, version 2020. results: the study was completed by 41 women, with a mean age of 25.3±3.9 years. the training course improved the participants’ abilities in self-awareness, effective communication, and effective emotion regulation. training in self-awareness led to better self-understanding, increased self-esteem, a new perspective on life, and improved cognitive patterns. in the domain of effective communication, it resulted in enhanced social perception, improved social skills, and better interpersonal relationships. regarding emotional regulation, it fostered emotional awareness, efficient selection of coping strategies, and better anger management. conclusion: the educational package based on life skills can effectively improve the cognitive-behavior abilities of marginalized women. empowering marginalized women resulted in a better quality of life for families in the regions and acted as a significantly positive supportive factor in preventing mental-social injuries.