Enhancing Resilience, Quality of Life, and Mental Health in Adolescents with Conduct Disorder through Emotional- Intelligence Training

Introduction: Adolescents with Conduct Disorder (CD) frequently face persistent psychological, social, and academic difficulties that often respond inadequately to conventional approaches. This study examined whether a structured emotional intelligence (EI) training program could improve resilience, quality of life (QoL), and mental health in this population. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest - posttest design with a two-month follow-up. Sixty adolescents referred to counseling centers in Karaj, Iran, between 2023 and 2024 were recruited via convenience sampling and allocated to an EI intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The intervention comprised ten weekly 60-minute sessions focusing on emotional awareness, emotion regulation strategies, interpersonal skills, and self-efficacy. Outcomes were assessed with the Connor–Davidson Resilience scale, the WHOQOL-BREF, and the Keyes Mental Health Continuum. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons in SPSS, version 26. Results: Participants in the EI group showed statistically significant improvements in resilience, quality of life, and mental health at posttest (p < .05), and these gains were maintained at the two-month follow-up. The control group exhibited minimal change across assessments. Discussion: The findings indicate that structured EI training can help adolescents with CD better manage their emotions and interpersonal relationships. The maintenance of these improvements at follow-up underscores the practical value of EI skills in promoting adaptive adjustment in both clinical and community settings. Conclusion: This study suggests that the use of evidence-based EI programs in the treatment of adolescents with CD can lead to long-term improvements in their mental health and social functioning.