Assertiveness competencies in the intimate relationship: proposal for an eclectic approach

Abstract

The present study, published in the Zeitschrift fur Psychodrama und Soziometrie analyzes the effectiveness of a brief enrichment program for the promotion of assertiveness skills in couple relationship. It begins with a review of the concept of marital satisfaction, communication and intimacy, highlighting the Morenian Psychodrama approach in the clinical practice of the couple’s development. For the program, we chose an eclectic approach, combining cognitive-behavioural model with a Morenian psychodrama technique. The study sample was composed by one heterosexual couple living in cohabitation. The methodology used was qualitative and for data collection was used mainly IRI—Intimate Relationship Interview (Lima et al. 2006) and the sculpture technique. Results showed that the couple had a perception quite satisfactory in most areas of marital intimacy and communication was the area that required further involvement of the couple. The information collection tools were effective and complementary. The program showed satisfactory results given the gains of couples, but served more to survey the areas of difficulty in the relationship than to acquire assertive skills.