Effects of assertion training on depression

Abstract

This was a non-analogue study of the effects of assertion training on depression. Twenty-six moderately depressed females (X = 21.3 years) were assigned randomly to assertion training or delay-control groups. Results partially supported the effectiveness of treatment. Experimental Ss became significantly more assertive and engaged in significantly more activities than controls, and effects of treatment continued after treatment ended. Eight weeks after treatment, the experimental Ss' scores indicated significantly less depression than at posttesting. Both experimental Ss and delya controls reported a significant decrease in depression from pre- to posttest. The two groups were not significantly different in reported depression at posttesting. Other findings included: (1) significant negative correlations between measures of depression and assertiveness; (2) no significant interactions between S type (client and volunteer) and outcome; and (3) no significant interactions between length of time depressed and outcome.

Assertiveness training: A forgotten evidence‐based treatment.

“…Given the number of studies that have found associations between assertiveness and depression, it is not surprising that the majority of the research evidence examining the efficacy of assertiveness training as an intervention has focused on its ability to increase assertive behavior and alleviate symptoms of depression (e.g., Lomont et al, 1969). Hayman and Cope (1980) found that depressed women in group assertiveness training, compared to a wait-list control, became significantly more assertive, and that these gains were maintained at an eight-week follow-up. Another outcome study examining the efficacy of group assertiveness training compared to traditional group psychotherapy in treating depression found that at one-month follow-up, the assertiveness group displayed increased self-reported comfort with assertiveness and greater likeliness to engage in assertive behaviors compared to a traditional psychotherapy group (Sanchez et al, 1980).…”

The effects of assertiveness training in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, single‐blind, controlled study

“…Previous studies highlighted the effectiveness of group assertiveness training among patients with depression (Hayman & Cope , Lin et al . ), patients with anxiety disorder (Lin et al .…”

Relationship between Self‐Esteem and Assertiveness Training among Japanese Hospital Nurses

“…AT based on the concept of assertiveness 4) , has shown a favorable effect on mental health status such as stress reaction and depressive state in previous studies 5,6) . It also is thought to enhance one's self-esteem, selfconfidence, interpersonal relationships, personal fulfillment, and internal locus of control 1,7) .…”