Behavioral and bodily self concept changes after assertive training. A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Social phobia is often associated with negative self-perception and body image issues.
• Assertive training is a therapeutic technique aimed at improving social skills and self-confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between assertiveness development via assertive training and changes in body image.
• To assess the impact of assertive training on specific aspects of self-perception in social phobic patients.

Main Methods:

• Eleven social phobic patients (6 women, 5 men) participated in a study involving assertive training.
• Measurements included Rathus's Assertiveness Schedule and Osgood's Semantic Differential (assessing self, body, voice, gestures, look).
• Data were analyzed using ANOVA at post-test and 6-9 month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant positive changes in assertiveness (p < 0.001) were observed post-training and at follow-up.
• Assertiveness gains correlated with modifications in body image, with patients rating their body and look as more active and stronger.
• A significant increase in the perception of the body as more dangerous was noted (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Assertive training can lead to significant improvements in assertiveness and positively impact body image in individuals with social phobia.
• The study highlights the interrelation between behavioral changes (assertiveness) and cognitive shifts (body self-concept).
• Further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between assertiveness, body image, and perceived danger in therapeutic contexts.