Effects of assertion training on depression

This was a non-analogue study of the effects of assertion training on depression. Twenty-six moderately depressed females (X = 21.3 years) were assigned randomly to assertion training or delay-control groups. Results partially supported the effectiveness of treatment. Experimental Ss became significantly more assertive and engaged in significantly more activities than controls, and effects of treatment continued after treatment ended. Eight weeks after treatment, the experimental Ss' scores indicated significantly less depression than at posttesting. Both experimental Ss and delya controls reported a significant decrease in depression from pre- to posttest. The two groups were not significantly different in reported depression at posttesting. Other findings included: (1) significant negative correlations between measures of depression and assertiveness; (2) no significant interactions between S type (client and volunteer) and outcome; and (3) no significant interactions between length of time depressed and outcome.