The effects of cognitive restructuring on assertive behavior

Abstract

Studies of the relative efficacy of cognitive restructuring and behavioral rehearsal for assertion problems have generally shown that both are effective treatments though neither is of demonstrated superiority. However, the typical research methodology that utilizes standardized but often irrelevant training situations, as well as outcome measures that rely on videotaped role-plays in the laboratory, may have obscured some real differences in treatment effectiveness. In the present study, participants were randomly assigned to either behavioral rehearsal training or behavioral rehearsal in conjunction with cognitive restructuring as a treatment for assertion difficulties. Target behaviors for training were personally relevant, and an in vivo self-monitoring procedure of behavioral performance in the individual chosen problem situation constituted the main outcome measure at posttest and 6-week follow-up. Results support the superiority of the combination of cognitive restructuring and behavioral rehearsal as opposed to behavioral rehearsal alone. Results are discussed in terms of the need to both treat and measure problems relevant to clients when comparing the efficacy of different treatment approaches.