Comparative study of the usage of Nonviolence Communication (NVC) and Restructured Cognitive Distortion (RCD) Education program for understanding and dealing with problem-solving, Emotional Intelligence, and Resilience

Introduction: The research investigated the impact of two interventions (Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Restructured Cognitive Distortion (RCD) on the level of problem solving, emotional intelligence, and resilience regarding the potential of adolescents to sustainable psychological education for well-being, mental health, and adaptive behaviour over time. Methodology: A pre-test and post-test experimental design was applied, and 48 Iranian adolescents (ages 13 to 16) were randomly assigned into three groups: one experimental (NVC), one experimental (RCD), and a control group. Educational sessions were structured to improve participants’ cognitive and emotional regulation skills. Results: The NVC group had significant gains in problem-solving confidence, personal control, and general problem-solving ability, as measured by the Problem-Solving Inventory(p≤0.01). Moreover, the NVC group showed a considerable rise in emotional intelligence, whereas the RCD and control groups had no significant changes. Notable improvements in resilience to stress (especially perceived competence and positive adaptation to change) were seen in the NVC group; for all outcome measures, the RCD group showed slight, non-significant improvements. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of communication-based and psychological approaches to enhancing adolescent development. NVC, in particular, seems to be more effective than RCD in advancing key psychosocial competencies. From the psychology of sustainability perspective, supporting youth capacity-building (emotional intelligence, resilience, problem-solving) promotes not only the personal development of responsible individuals, but also socially and emotionally sustainable communities. These findings highlight the need to incorporate psychological education within global awareness initiatives for sustainable development.