Behavioral, cognitive, and behavioral-cognitive aprroaches to group assertion training therapy

Abstract

Four group therapy approaches to the treatment of assertion problems were compared: behavioral assertion training (BAT), cognitive assertion training (CAT), behavioral-cognitive assertion training (BCAT), and self-awareness training (SAT). Cognitive assertion training included a cognitive restructuring component and emphasized coping skills such as self-instructions. Treatment outcome was assessed on self-report measures of assertion, social anxiety, and self-concept, a behavioral role-playing test, a situational test of assertion cognitions, and two unobtrusive measures. BAT, CAT, and BCAT were all more effective in increasing assertive behavior than SAT. Although there was a lack of significant differences among the three assertion training groups, a greater number of significant differences emerged between BCAT and SAT than between SAT and any other group. The need for research that assesses the interaction of therapist, client, and therapy technique variables in assertion training outcome research is discussed.