The influence of assertion training on three aspects of assertiveness in alcoholics

This study examined three outcomes of assertion training considered relevant for alcoholics: (a) assertive behavior in negative situations; (b) discomfort in negative situations that call for assertive behavior; and (c) expectations of assertive behavior in sober vs. intoxicated states. Subjects were 38 male alcoholics in an inpatient treatment program. Although some behavioral competencies were acquired after assertion training, such training did not differentially reduce discomfort in negative situations or the discrepancy between perceptions of assertiveness in sober vs. intoxicated states at posttest or at 6-week follow-up.