A cultural exchange: assertive communication training in Bangkok

Abstract

Assertiveness is a well-recognised approach in western psychology for enhancing individuals' self-efficacy. However, few studies explore how assertiveness can be adapted for people from a collective-oriented culture. This paper outlines a pilot study to provide culturally competent training for assertive communication to consumers, carers and mental health professionals in Bangkok, Thailand. The training was conducted in English, with simultaneous translation into Thai; over 3 days with 30 participants (mean age of 44.6 years). The trainer embraced a recovery framework and shared her own lived experience when appropriate. Key topics covered were the essence of assertive communication, practising self-care and saying ‘no’ without feeling guilty. By engaging participants in role-plays, small and large group discussions made the training interactive and more applicable to the local context. Workshop evaluations were collected after completion of the training. Participants noted the primary benefits of acquiring new knowledge, managing emotions, achieving personal growth, and the applicability of the course content to daily life immediately following the training. At a six-month post-training workshop, participants noted the primary benefits of improved self-confidence, feeling happier and more contented, reduced guilt and increased self-esteem. Limitations of the training format are also discussed. The training was well received and the process represented an invaluable cultural exchange between trainer and trainees. Carer and health professional participants learned new strategies to set boundaries and to help those they cared for to set realistic goals and regain their self-esteem. Consumer participants learned about self-assertiveness as a means of articulating their feelings and needs. Assertive communication can be adapted for people from Asian and collectively oriented backgrounds.