Assertiveness Training for Clients with a Psychiatric Illness: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The current literature documents a need for assertiveness training for clients with a psychiatric illness, in order to address this need, a programme was designed and implemented to provide clients with practical techniques to enable them to communicate in a more effective, assertive manner. The frames of reference for the programme were the model of human occupation and social teaming theory. Data were collected over a 2-year period from 33 clients with a psychiatric illness who participated in a 7-week training programme. The investigation incorporated a prospective one-group, pre-test/post-test design. The Rathus assertiveness schedule and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to measure changes in assertiveness and self-esteem. A t-test analysis of the pre-test and post-test scores attained by group participants on both scales indicated a statistically significant increase in their level of assertive behaviour and self-esteem. A brief review of the pertinent literature and a description of the assertiveness training programme are provided. Programme evaluation results and recommendations for further research are also discussed.