Self-Regulatory Techniques in the Modification of Nonassertive Behavior

Abstract

To compare the effectiveness of several components of self-regulation in the facilitation of therapeutic change, nonassertive college students, matched on self-reported assertiveness, were assigned to one of four conditions ( n = 12): (1) Behavior Rehearsal, (2) Behavior Rehearsal with Videotape Feedback, (3) Behavior Rehearsal and Videotape Feedback plus Self-evaluation Practice, and (4) No treatment control. Pre- and post-training responses were assessed on a global problem evaluation, a 35-item inventory of responses to specific refusal situations, and a modified S-R inventory of interpersonal anxiety. Post-training assessment also included a behavioral observation measure. The results indicated that each of the procedures incorporating rehearsal yielded changes on the behavioral and self-report indices. Failure to obtain between-group differences was discussed and procedural improvements suggested for future research on the outcome of replication therapies.