Effects of Three Assertion Training Sessions on Schoolchildren's Assertiveness and Mental Health

As a crucial period for self and identity development, early adolescence may give rise to emotional issues due to inadequate methods of self-expression. Therefore, the development of self-expression during early adolescence may play a significant role in interpersonal relationships. "Assertion" refers to the ability to express one's thoughts and emotions appropriately while simultaneously respecting those of others; thus, assertiveness training (AT) focuses on appropriate expression while also respecting others. Previous studies have shown AT programs' effects over 1 to 6 months, but the minimum number of effective sessions has not been determined. Thus, this single-group study without a control group examined pre-post changes in 102 5th-grade students following three 45 min AT sessions on self-expression, requesting favors, and politely declining requests. Changes in assertiveness and mental health were assessed using the TK-Style Communication Skills and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results of available case analyses (depending on the outcome) showed a significant increase in assertiveness scores and decreases in both nonassertiveness scores and SDQ total difficulties scores. Overall, three short AT sessions were associated with favorable pre-post changes in assertiveness and mental health-related outcomes; however, the absence of a control group limits the causal interpretation.