Effects of Varying Amounts of Assertive Training on Level of Assertiveness and Anxiety Reduction in Women

Abstract

This outcome investigation compared the relative efficacy of two assertive training groups for self-report indices of assertiveness and anxiety. 36 female subjects were assigned to one of four experimental conditions: (a) 8-hr. assertive training, (b) 2-hr. assertive training, (c) 8-hr. no-treatment control, or (d) 2-hr. no-treatment control. Significant increases in assertiveness at posttreatment and 2-wk. follow-up were noted only for the 8-hr. treatment group. None of the groups showed significant reductions in trait or state anxiety levels. Treatment of the two control groups in 4- and 6-hr. assertive training programs produced data suggesting that increases in assertiveness relate to length of time in treatment. Implications of these findings for program development and future research are discussed.