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The effect of assertiveness training on student's academic anxiety
S Mohebi1, G H R Sharifirad, M Shahsiah
1Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Assertiveness training significantly reduced academic anxiety in pre-college students. This non-pharmacological intervention also improved decisiveness, suggesting benefits for academic performance.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Student Well-being
Background:
- High academic anxiety negatively impacts concentration, memory, and learning in students.
- A correlation between anxiety and assertiveness has been recently identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of assertiveness training in reducing academic anxiety among pre-college students.
- To explore the relationship between assertiveness and academic anxiety in this population.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving 89 pre-college students in Gonabad, divided into experimental and control groups.
- Intervention included 5 assertiveness training sessions based on the PRECEDE model, with parent/teacher involvement.
- Validated questionnaires measured demographics, academic anxiety, and assertiveness (Rathus). Post-tests were conducted 8 weeks post-intervention.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse relationship was found between anxiety and decisiveness (r = -0.69, p < 0.001).
- The experimental group showed a significant decrease in academic anxiety post-intervention.
- Both groups exhibited increased decisiveness, but the control group showed no significant change in academic anxiety or assertiveness.
Conclusions:
- Assertiveness training is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating academic anxiety.
- The intervention shows potential for improving academic performance by enhancing decisiveness and reducing anxiety.
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