Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:41
Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 25, 2011
Social skills training for young adolescents
K L Wise1, K A Bundy, E A Bundy
1Department of Psychology, Western Oregon State College, Monmouth 97361.
Adolescence
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study shows that a systematic assertiveness training program effectively taught adolescents social cognitive skills. Young adolescents acquired and retained information, demonstrating improved assertive behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Assertiveness is crucial for adolescent social functioning.
- Social cognitive theory provides a framework for understanding skill acquisition.
- Developing targeted assertiveness training for young adolescents is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a systematic assertiveness training program for adolescents.
- To assess the cognitive acquisition and retention of assertiveness skills.
- To determine the program's effectiveness based on social cognitive theory.
Main Methods:
- A six-session assertiveness training program was implemented.
- The program was based on Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory.
- Multiple-choice tests measured cognitive acquisition immediately post-training and at 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Trained students significantly outperformed the control group on immediate posttests (p < .01).
- Trained students maintained significantly better performance at the 6-month follow-up (p < .02).
- The program facilitated the acquisition and retention of symbolic information for assertive behavior.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents can effectively acquire and retain assertiveness skills through systematic training.
- Social cognitive theory principles are applicable to assertiveness training in young adolescents.
- The developed program demonstrates potential for enhancing adolescent social competence.
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