Assertive Communication Skills Research Articles

Pelatihan Komunikasi Asertif dengan Teknik Psychoeducational Intervention untuk Mencegah Cyberbullying

The training held in the Stimulus Community Partnership Program Community Service (PKMS) is aimed at employees in the UMPR environment. Implementation of assertive communication training using psychoeducational intervention techniques to prevent cyberbullying at SMK Negeri 3 Palangka Raya as a solution to problems faced by students who are in the adolescent phase and tend to be involved in cyberbullying either as perpetrators or victims. Cases of cyberbullying in the school environment do not only involve students as bullies and victims. Incidents of cyberbullying are increasing internationally and are considered a problem both inside and outside of school. Cyberbullying has received attention because it affects many individuals of various ages in a variety of settings, especially adolescents. The training activities were implemented for one day on August 15, 2022. The training participants totaled 150 students. Based on the results of the analysis of the success of the training, 91% of students experienced increased knowledge about cyberbullying and had assertive communication skills.

Development of a Community-Based Communication Intervention among Latin Caregivers of Patients Coping with Cancer.

Background: Cancer affects the emotional well-being of patients and caregivers, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies. This study explores a community-based communication intervention for Latino caregiver-patient dyads coping with cancer. The acceptability of the intervention, along with its associated facilitators and barriers, are crucial considerations. Methods: Three focus group interviews involved healthcare providers, community partners, patients, and caregivers to discuss the communication needs of this population and the components of a communication intervention while identifying facilitators and barriers to the intervention. Qualitative thematic content analysis was conducted using Nvivo v12, ensuring reliability through independent analysis and consensus building. Results: Participants (89% female, average age of 53) included patients (30%), caregivers (30%), community partners (25%), and healthcare providers (15%), and they discussed the overall acceptability of adapting a communication intervention, where they emphasized benefits for caregivers and patients, primarily through support groups. Communication strategies accepted by participants include psychological support, cancer education, assertive communication skills, and methods for improved interactions with healthcare providers and extended family. Conclusions: Participants' responses align with the current literature, emphasizing problem-solving, mutual support, and communication strategies and underscoring the role of community partners. The study underlines the necessity for culturally tailored communication interventions for Latino families facing cancer.

Challenges in decision-making support processes regarding living kidney donation: A qualitative study.

Previous studies on decision-making of living kidney donors have indicated issues regarding donors' autonomy is inherent in decision-making to donate their kidney. Establishing effective decision-making support that guarantees autonomy of living kidney donor candidates is important. The aim of this study was to identify the difficulties in the decision-making support when clinical transplant coordinators advocating for the autonomy of donor candidates of living donor kidney transplantation and to identify the methods to deal with these difficulties. A qualitative descriptive study. Ten clinical transplant coordinators supporting living kidney donors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The modified grounded theory approach was utilised to analyse. Three categories related to difficulties were as follows: issues inherent to the interaction between coordinators, donor candidates and their families; issues regarding the environment and institutional background in which coordinators operate; and emotional labour undertaken by coordinators in the decision-making support process. Additionally, five categories related to methods were as follows: assessing the autonomy of donor candidates based on the coordinators nursing experience; interventions for the donor candidates and their family members based on the coordinators nursing experience; smooth coordination with medical staff; clarifying and asserting their views as coordinators; and readiness to protect the donor candidates. The involvement of highly experienced coordinators with excellent and assertive communication skills as well as the ability to reflect on their own practices is essential. Moreover, we may need to fundamentally review the transplant community, where power domination is inherent.

Development of Video Learning Materials for Asertification of Communication Skills in Students

The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of developing assertive learning videos for Jambi University students. The research method used in this research is the Research and Development (R&D) method. This development research uses the development method from Trollip and Allesi which centers on the use of multimedia as a learning tool. This method was chosen because it can be used as a guide for developing and testing the effectiveness of communication assertiveness learning videos for Jambi University students. The data that will be collected in this research will be quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data is carried out using questionnaires which will be distributed to Jambi University students. The results of the research show that the material validation of the assertive communication skills learning video for PORKES students at Jambi University obtained a percentage of around 94.30% so that it could be declared eligible in the very good category. Media validation, the percentage of appropriateness in the assertive communication skills learning video was found to be around 94% in the very good category. The percentage of Jambi University PORKES student respondents through the Field Trial showed an average percentage figure of 86% with a very high classification of interest in learning in assertive communication skills. Based on the results of research that has carried out expert and field validation trials in developing Assertive Communication Skills Learning Videos for PORKES Students at Jambi University, it can be concluded that the development of learning media in this research began by conducting a need analysis on individuals aged 18-20 year.

Factors Affecting the Assertive Communication Skills of Young Women at the Jayapura Mercy Princess Orphanage

This study aims to determine the factors that influence assertive communication skills in adolescent girls at 'Panti Asuhan Putri Kerahiman Jayapura'. The concept used is assertive communication. The research method used a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews with six informants. The results showed that internal factors include fear, lack of confidence, lack of self-awareness, and emotional situations. External factors include family rules, parenting, social support at the orphanage, and a less supportive environment. The main finding is that adolescent girls in orphanages still have psychological barriers to self-expression and assertiveness. In conclusion, there are internal and external factors that affect the assertive communication skills of adolescent girls in orphanages. Recommendations include the need to provide communication education and training, increase self-awareness, and optimize social support and a conducive environment in orphanages.

Consensus on relevant psychosocial interventions applied in health institutions to prevent psychological violence at work: Delphi method

ObjectiveStudies on psychological violence in the workplace (PVW) in Latin America have focused on incidence values. In contrast, studies on preventive interventions (PIs) in the health sector are very limited. Our objective was to determine to what extent there is consensus on the most relevant characteristics of the psychosocial interventions applied in the prevention of PVW in health institutions in Peru. To that end, health professionals with knowledge and experience in PVW at the national level were recruited, and the Delphi consensus technique was applied.ResultsThe consensus study was developed in four stages that included three phases of Delphi consultation. In the third consultation phase, 428 experts participated in 25 analysis groups from 66 health institutions in the country. A total of 70.3% of the participants were women, and 27.6% of the participants worked in nursing and emergency services. After the Delphi consensus analysis, we obtained a list of 10 hierarchical psychosocial interventions to prevent PVW in the country. Most notable were interventions based on the prior resolution of interprofessional conflicts, on the visibility of incidents to generate an inverse effect and on experiential training to improve assertive and empathic communication skills.

Creating Educator Assertive Communication Style in Muhammadiyah Schools

Abstract. Muhammadiyah Trensains Senior High School Sragen (SMA) is a superior school managed by Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PDM) Sragen, Central Java. This school combines science and the Al-Qur’an. As Muhammadiyah's flagship charity, and has won many achievements. One of the problems encountered in school is that there is criticism from outsiders that there are still teachers who are less assertive in communicating with students. This causes most high school teachers of Trensains Muhammadiyah to receive complaints from students and has an impact on the lack of confidence in carrying out the learning process and class management. Thus, the teaching and learning process becomes less effective. To overcome this, this community service program was directed at increasing educator assertive communication at Muhammadiyah Trensains Senior High School Sragen through training and assistance in assertive behavior for educators. The objective of the program is to improve the ability to apply an assertive communication style to teachers, especially in Muhammadiyah schools. The community service was done through writing workshops on improving assertive communication skills in the teaching and learning process at schools. The success indicator of this community service is the teacher's mastery of the concept of assertive communication; being a good listener, daring to express differences of opinion, not feeling guilty after saying no to an opinion, remaining calm when speaking, avoiding using aggressive sentences, positioning the other person as a friend, and being able to be patient. The increase in assertive behavior in teachers has proven significant (as seen from the results of the pre-test and post-test). The publication of community service activities can be seen in the writings in the mass media, and implementation videos

Peningkatan Kemampuan Asertif melalui Terapi Perilaku Kognitif: Menyelami Dampak Positif dalam Pengembangan Komunikasi Personal

This research aims to explore the impact of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) on assertive behavior among Special Education Teachers (SETs). Due to the heavy workload and demands, teachers may experience cognitive disturbances. The study employs a quantitative experimental approach, focusing on a single participant, a 23-year-old SET named PAS, a new teacher in an Inclusive School for Special Needs in Kab Blitar, with low assertive behavior based on interview assessments, observations, graphic tests (BAUM, DAP & HTP), Wartegg, CFIT, and assertiveness scales. Sampling is done purposively. The Assertiveness Inventory serves as the research instrument, administered over eight sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Pre-test and post-test evaluations were conducted to assess changes. The findings indicate an improvement in assertive behavior for the participant, as evidenced by an increase in assertive behavior scores on the Assertiveness Inventory scale. Additionally, a reduction or elimination of negative thoughts and behaviors in the participant was observed. This research is vital for understanding how CBT can effectively enhance assertive behavior, particularly in the context of special education teachers facing significant work-related challenges. The results provide a foundation for developing interventions or programs that can be broadly applied to help educators enhance their assertive communication skills. Moreover, the study sheds light on the positive impacts anticipated from integrating cognitive behavior therapy in the development of assertive behavior.

Assertive Communication Skills Group Intervention for Adolescents with Social Anxiety

National surveys show that most adolescents experience anxiety problems and anxiety disorders, but only a few seek professional help. Anxiety, especially social anxiety, can be detrimental to adolescents because of its impact on social success. If it persists, social anxiety can develop into social anxiety disorder as an adult. Thus, it is necessary to intervene in adolescents with high social anxiety. Adolescents with social anxiety often experience social situations that they cannot cope with due to a lack of social skills, especially assertive communication skills. This study aimed to see whether assertive communication skill interventions carried out in groups can improve adolescents' assertive communication skills and reduce social anxiety levels. Group interventions conducted in schools provide easy access for youth and efficiency in terms of time and cost. Group interventions also allow adolescents to voice their experiences, finding similarities and connect with others. The study participants were six teenagers aged 13-15 years with high levels of social anxiety. This study consisted of a pre-test, four intervention sessions, post-test, and follow-up. The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) and Skala Tingkah Laku Asertif (STLA) were used to describe the participants' social anxiety and assertiveness before, after, and two weeks after the intervention. The results showed an increase in the STLA score and a decrease in the SAS-A score in most participants quantitatively and an increase in assertive communication skills and a decrease in social anxiety qualitatively in all participants. The implication of this study is that assertive communication skills intervention programs carried out in groups are beneficial in increasing assertive communication skills and reducing the level of social anxiety in adolescents, these results can be used as reference material in the intervention of adolescents with social anxiety. Survei nasional menunjukkan bahwa mayoritas remaja mengalami masalah kecemasan dan gangguan kecemasan, namun sedikit yang mencari bantuan profesional. Kecemasan, terutama kecemasan sosial, bisa merugikan karena dampaknya terhadap kesuksesan sosial. Jika berlanjut, kecemasan sosial dapat berkembang menjadi gangguan kecemasan sosial saat dewasa. Dengan demikian, perlu dilakukan intervensi pada remaja dengan kecemasan sosial tinggi. Remaja dengan kecemasan sosial seringkali mengalami situasi sosial yang tidak bisa mereka atasi karena kurangnya keterampilan sosial, terutama keterampilan komunikasi asertif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat apakah intervensi keterampilan komunikasi asertif yang dilakukan secara berkelompok dapat meningkatkan keterampilan komunikasi asertif dan menurunkan tingkat kecemasan sosial remaja. Intervensi kelompok yang diadakan di sekolah memberikan kemudahan akses bagi remaja dan efisiensi dari segi waktu serta biaya. Intervensi kelompok juga memungkinkan remaja menyuarakan pengalaman, menemukan kesamaan, dan berkoneksi dengan orang lain. Partisipan penelitian merupakan enam remaja berusia 13-15 tahun dengan tingkat kecemasan sosial tinggi. Penelitian ini terdiri dari pre-test, empat sesi intervensi, post-test, dan follow-up. Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescent (SAS-A) dan Skala Tingkah Laku Asertif (STLA) digunakan untuk mengetahui gambaran kecemasan sosial dan asertivitas partisipan sebelum, sesudah, dan dua minggu sesudah intervensi. Hasilnya, terdapat peningkatan skor STLA dan penurunan skor SAS-A pada mayoritas partisipan secara kuantitatif dan peningkatan keterampilan komunikasi asertif serta penurunan kecemasan sosial secara kualitatif pada seluruh partisipan. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa program intervensi keterampilan komunikasi asertif yang dilakukan secara berkelompok bermanfaat dalam meningkatkan keterampilan komunikasi asertif dan menurunkan tingkat kecemasan sosial pada remaja sehingga dapat menjadi bahan rujukan dalam intervensi remaja dengan kecemasan sosial.

ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION TO IMPROVE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION IN THE SURABAYA ARSA COMMUNITY

Interpersonal communication within the group becomes an important factor in achieving group goals. From the results of the needs analysis, it was known that interpersonal communication faced by service partner groups was rooted in assertive communication skills. For this reason, assertive communication training was chosen in service activities to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of service partner groups. This community service partner was the “Arsa Community”, with 10 participants. The training was designed as psychoeducation using lecturing methods, giving modules, and online discussions. Data were collected using questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that quantitatively, psychoeducation could significantly improve the knowledge, attitudes, and assertive communication skills of service partners. Furthermore, qualitatively it was known that Arsa Community’s members understood much more about the importance of interpersonal communication skills after attending this psychoeducation. The results of this community service were discussed to achieve a more comprehensive perspective in doing as well as choosing several media in community service.

Improving Assertive Communication Skills in Simulated Medical Encounters

Assertive communication is a powerful communication skill in everyday clinical practice among staff members and in doctor-patient encounters. It has an important role in eliciting relevant information during patient interviewing, similarly, in shared decision-making or convincing patients of certain therapy options. The skills are also needed in delegating tasks or giving feedback to colleagues. Through simulated medical encounters, culturally appropriate assertive communication skills can be improved to tackle challenges in hierarchical healthcare contexts. Our comparative study analyses the results of a questionnaire survey of two simulation-based communication courses, where one explicitly aims to use assertive skills in clinical settings while the other implicitly encourages students to defend their opinions in doctor-patient scenarios. Blended-learning methods, support from clinicians and mentors in promoting self-confidence and self-esteem, constructive feedback from both simulated patients and the observers (linguists, psychologists), teamwork skills training and assertive communication techniques were applied to ensure the effectiveness of the courses. The article shares the verbal and non-verbal tools of assertive communication evaluated by the observers, and the self-evaluations of students, which focused on their own behavioural changes in terms of sense of responsibility, sense of failure and navigating between assertiveness and empathy.

Weaknesses in the development of assertive communication and social skills in children, generate design opportunities

This paper shows a study on design opportunities based on assertive communication and social skills in children. Research with a qualitative approach was conducted to know the social skills of students and their ability to express themselves. On the other hand, a linear regression model was carried out to quantitatively determine the percentage of assertive communication deficit at home and the variables that have an impact on the problem. In addition, bibliographic criteria were used to establish judgments on the correspondence between the development of assertive communication and the design, the work being composed of a practical theoretical analysis through the synthetic analytical method, and the development of a formal language of mathematical logic propositions. The results obtained reflect the veracity of the problem where design as a communication discipline generates creative solutions.

HIV and STI Prevention Among Spanish Women Who have Sex with Women: Factors Associated with Dental Dam and Condom Use

The scientific community has systematically ignored the needs of women who have sex with women (WSW). The invisibilization of romantic and sexual relationships between women has caused a profound lack of knowledge about the impact of HIV and other STIs on this population subgroup. This study aims to analyze the frequency of dental dam and condom use in WSW and identify the variables that explain the use of these two preventive methods. The sample is composed of 327 women aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 27.82; SD = 8.10). The results indicate that only 4.7% of those who practice cunnilingus and 5.2% of those who practice anilingus report “always” using dental dam (systematic use). Condoms are used systematically by 37.1% of those who practice vaginal penetration and 37.8% of those who practice anal penetration. Age, high perceived self-efficacy, and adequate assertive communication skills are variables significantly related to preventive behavior. The severity attributed to HIV and the perceived risk of infection are protective factors regarding dental dam use. For condom use, high levels of internalized homophobia and drug use are risk factors. Future preventive strategies should provide information on preventive strategies to WSW who, for different reasons, are not involved in LGBT contexts or associations and, therefore, do not have access to training activities and mistakenly believe that they are invulnerable as they do not have sexual relations with men.

Qualitative exploration of family caregivers' perception and experience caring for pediatric patients with cancer

Abstract Background: Literature on the experience of those caring for children with cancer from low- and middle-income countries is scant. Gaining insight into their experiences may be important to providing appropriate services for this group. This study sought to identify the concerns and explore the experiences of family caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer in Nigeria. Method: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews to collect data from 16 consenting family caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Recorded audio data were transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Results: Most family caregivers were unaware of pediatric cancer before getting the diagnosis. They experienced anticipatory grief fearing the possibility of their children dying and feeling helpless regarding funding the treatments. In addition, they expressed powerlessness in controlling the illness/treatment outcome and in managing how they were treated by hospital staff. Siblings were said to experience distress from seeing the deteriorating physical changes in their siblings with cancer. Participants reported disruption in usual domestic and socioeconomic activities in the family. They mostly coped through using religious/spiritual coping strategies and accessing some social support from hospital staff and well-wishers. Family caregivers perceived a need for greater government involvement in pediatric cancer care and prevention efforts and seek more cooperation from hospital staff in the care of their children. Conclusions: Family caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer experience challenges worthy of psycho-oncologists’ attention. This population might benefit from interventions to manage anticipatory grief and promote assertive communication and problem-solving skills.

General Ward Nurses' Self-Efficacy, Ethical Behavior, and Practice of Discharge Planning for End-Stage Cancer Patients: Path Analysis.

General ward nurses play a key role in discharge planning for end-stage cancer patients. It is necessary to assess the factors regarding their practice to promote discharge planning in accordance with end-stage cancer patients’ wishes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between general ward nurses’ practice of discharge planning for end-stage cancer patients, self-efficacy, ethical behavior, attitude, knowledge and experience, perceived skills, and perceived barriers. A total of 288 general ward nurses from nine hospitals in a city in Japan completed the questionnaire. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. The results showed that nurses’ self-efficacy, ethical behavior (do-no-harm, do-good), knowledge (experience of attending home care seminars), and perceived skills (assertiveness) were positively and directly related to the practice of discharge planning. Nursing experience and perceived skills (assertiveness) were positively associated with discharge planning practice, while perceived barriers (death discussion) and attitude (degree of leaving it to discharge planning nurses (DPNs)) were negatively associated, with self-efficacy acting as a mediator. Thus, our findings show that it is important to enhance self-efficacy and nursing ethical behavior to improve the practice of discharge planning. Accordingly, education regarding home care, assertive communication skills, death discussion, and ethics is needed for general ward nurses.

Factors Associated with Condom Use in Vaginal Intercourse Among Spanish Heterosexual and Bisexual Men

IntroductionIn Spain, the sexual route is the main route of transmission in new HIV diagnoses. Men who have heterosexual relations are the second group with the highest incidence of new HIV cases and have the highest rates of late diagnosis in Spain. Planning the response to the HIV epidemic requires specific and updated information on this group. This study aims to analyze sexual practices and frequency of condom use in heterosexual and bisexual men and identify variables that explain inconsistent condom use in vaginal intercourse.MethodsThe sample consists of 386 men between 18 and 57 years of age (M = 24.61; SD = 6.74).ResultsThe results indicate that the percentage of consistent condom use in vaginal intercourse is 64.9%. Not consuming drugs before sexual intercourse, perceiving a high self-efficacy for condom use, and good assertive communication skills are factors that positively influence condom use. In contrast, a high level of sexual compulsivity is a risk factor. The proposed model explains between 29.1% and 40% of the variance.Conclusionsand Policy Implications.Preventive actions implemented in this group should include work sessions that focus on developing assertive skills, reducing risks associated with drug use, and providing cognitive strategies to cope with compulsive sexual thoughts.

Teaching Socio-Emotional Competencies Among Primary School Students: Improving Conflict Resolution and Promoting Democratic Co-existence in Schools.

Teaching socio-emotional skills among primary school students is the key to creating a climate of cooperation in classrooms and reducing disruptive or aggressive behaviors among students. The primary goal of this research is to present an educational proposal for imparting socio-emotional competencies among primary school students. We attempt to impart socio-emotional competencies based on: (1) fostering self-knowledge, self-esteem, and respect for others among students; (2) developing behaviors that allow them to perceive and express feelings and self-regulating emotions; and (3) developing assertive communication skills aimed at improving conflict resolution. This program has been designed in such a way that it is implemented throughout the academic year by organizing bi-monthly sessions of 45 min each, held until the completion of 15 sessions. The sample consists of 100 students in the third grade, with the control and experimental groups having an equal number of students (50 each). The instruments used for this research are: (a) BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory (Youth Version [BarOn EQ-i:YV]): used for measuring emotional and social functioning; (b) the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY): used for assessing social skills; and (c) Questionnaire for the Assessment of School Violence in Preschool and Primary School Questionnaire. To check the effectiveness of the educational intervention, a quasi-experimental design, along with pretest-posttest control group design, is used in accordance with the general linear model. Its effectiveness is also checked using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results show that the program is useful in preventing violent behaviors in the educational field and promoting the development of socio-emotional skills among third grade students. Finally, the applicability of the program to other educational contexts is discussed to enhance students' personal development and decrease the levels of violence found in primary school.

Assertive Communication Training to The Wives of Fisherman As A Social Support to Reduce Father Smoking Intensity in The House

Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke from their parents are more at risk of suffering fromvascular and heart health problems in the future, besides that smoking behavior in fathers also causeslow nutritional status in smokers' families. Stopping smoking is very difficult, so smoking away fromchildren is one solution that can be offered to keep children from being exposed to cigarette smoke butfathers can still smoke through a process of communication between partners. The purpose of the studywas to determine the effectiveness of wife assertive communication as a form of social support for thefather's smoking behavior outside the home. The research conducted was research with intervention inthe form of assertive communication training on wives. The location of the study was conducted in theFisherman Village in Bulukumba District, South Sulawesi. Therefore communication in an assertive wayis considered important to do so that the father also does not feel disturbed "pleasure" when smoking.The sample is the wife of the fishermen who will be given assertive knowledge or techniques totaling 26people. The wife was chosen to be the target of intervention because the female partner would moreeasily influence his male partner in changing his negative behavior. All statistical tests on the pre-testand post-test assertive communication training, and pre-test and post-test intense daddy smokingoutside the home were conducted with non-parametric test methods taking into account the number ofsamples n = <30. % of the significance assumption of 5%. The results of the study conducted showedthat assertive communication given to fishermen's wives had not provided the ability for mothers toassert communication with their fathers to reduce smoking at home. ((Mdn = 24.50) in the pre-test and(Mdn = 23.50) in the post-test, in the post-test, ɀ = -0.446, p <0.5; r = -0.152). This is because thelanguage of the material uses the language of "science" which is not understood because of the loweducation of the fishermen and the fairly short intervention time. The conclusion of the study showedthat there was no increase in changes in assertive communication skills in the intervention subjects(mothers) after being given treatment or assertive communication training interventions. In terms ofknowledge, the intervention subject gets a better understanding, but the skills or skills to makecommunication are still inadequate. Nevertheless, the social control function of the family in terms ofchanging smoking behavior must be fixed and continuously improved by providing the ability to "dare"to provide health information to their partners. Suggestion: Assertive communication training needs tobe followed up by health workers to limit the smoking behavior of fathers in the home which are alsogiven to health cadres and empowerment workers in the village, which is supported by the causes ofmedia coverage for health communication.Keywords: Assertive communication, social support, smoking behavior

How to deal with refractory risk factors that depend on behavior?

IntroductionHealth-related behavior correlates in critical ways with the current epidemic of chronic diseases. Modifiable behaviors increase the risk of chronic disease. Despite there are well-identified behaviors, efforts at behavior change are clinically-challenging and frequently ineffective.ObjectivesWe aim to establish how the current evidence and latest neuroscientific knowledge about behavioral change allow the most reliable assessment of patients with refractory health-related behaviors that negatively impact health outcomes.MethodsWe performed a literature review using Pubmed databases and UpToDate. The search included “behavioral change” and “health-related behavioral change”[MeSH Terms].ResultsHabitual behavior consists of behavioral patterns operating below conscious awareness and acquired through context-dependent repetition. Behavioral change is a complex multi-level field of intervention. The Health Belief Model allows a careful description of the patient’s perceived vulnerability, perceived disease severity, self-efficacy, and change motivation. The identification of social variables is critical since they correlated with poor health outcomes, particularly in chronic diseases. Temperament and character traits can have a strong influence on the difficulty of changing habitual behavior. Psychopathology, if present, must be addressed because it can be a notable factor of behavior instability and correlates negatively to health outcomes. Assertive and efficient communication skills in the clinical context are imperative. Motivational interviewing skills can allow effective behavioral change.ConclusionsInterventions addressing behavior change require careful, thoughtful work that leads to a deep understanding of the nature of what motivates people. Intervention based strategies focused on behavioral change must undergo further investigation in the future.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The Association between Entrepreneurial Perceived Behavioral Control, Personality, Empathy, and Assertiveness in a Romanian Sample of Nascent Entrepreneurs

In today’s global context, entrepreneurship is recognized as the engine of sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and employment in the economy of any nation. In order to improve the measures aimed at encouraging the creation of new businesses, an enhanced understanding of the drivers of nascent entrepreneurship seems essential. Drawing on planned behavior theory and the approach of entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control (PBC) as a motivational antecedent in starting a new business, the current study seeks to understand how the personal characteristics of the entrepreneurs influence entrepreneurial PBC. Three types of characteristics were assessed in a sample of 212 Romanian nascent entrepreneurs: personality traits (Big Five model), empathy, and assertiveness. The hierarchical multilinear regression analysis, in which entrepreneurial PBC was treated as a dependent variable, showed that the model with the highest explanatory power for the variance of results of entrepreneurial PBC included characteristics from all three levels: personality traits—Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness; empathy—personal distress and perspective-taking; and adaptive assertiveness. Additionally, the findings showed that adaptive assertiveness provides an effect over and above personality factors and empathy on the entrepreneurial PBC. The practical implications of these findings indicate that to enhance the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education programs, components aiming to enhance internal personal resources of entrepreneurs (such as assertive communication skills) should be added.