Evaluation of assertiveness training for psychiatric patients

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Nursing

Background:

• Assertiveness training programmes aim to enhance assertive behaviors and self-perception.
• These programs are beneficial for patients diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or adjustment disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of assertiveness training on psychiatric patients.
• Key outcome measures include changes in assertiveness, self-esteem, and social anxiety levels.

Main Methods:

• An experimental design was employed with 68 psychiatric patients (28 in the experimental group, 40 in the comparison group).
• The experimental group underwent a four-week assertiveness training program (two sessions per week).
• Data on assertiveness, self-esteem, and social anxiety were collected pre-training, post-training, and at a one-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in assertiveness was observed immediately after training and at the one-month follow-up.
• Social anxiety levels decreased significantly post-training, though this effect was not sustained at one month.
• No significant improvement in self-esteem was noted following the training program.

Conclusions:

• Assertiveness training appears effective in improving assertiveness among psychiatric patients with mixed diagnoses.
• The training can enhance self-confidence, improve mood expression, and positively alter self-perception, providing a valuable reference for clinical nurses.