Development of assertive responses: Clinical, measurement and research considerations

The development of assertive responses in unassertive individuals is surveyed in terms of clinical application, measurement techniques and experimental study. Case reports indicate that assertive training is an effective technique for a large variety of disorders as it enables patients to overcome deficits in inter-personal functioning. Some of the effective elements in assertive training have been identified by using analogue research designs. In most of these investigations the major focus has been on expressing hostile feelings and thoughts. However, more efforts at instigating positive responses (clinically and experimentally) are warranted. In addition, there is a need to assess the effects on ‘clinically’ unassertive subjects of techniques in which the transfer of training is programmed rather than expected.