NCJ Number
72706
Date Published
1976
Length
147 pages
Annotation
An investigation of the effectiveness of the Verbal Response Model of Assertiveness used in a systematic training program to develop assertive behavior in an ex-offender population is presented.
Abstract
Study subjects were 19 recently released male parolees from several State prisons in Georgia. There were 8 subjects in the assertive training group and 11 in the alternative treatment group. Assertive training group subjects received 12 hours of training, which used a combination of techniques including modeling, behavior rehearsal, coaching, and positive reinforcement. The group was taught the use of a three-part assertive response which consisted of an empathy component, a conflict component, and an action component. Subjects in the alternative treatment group received an equal amount of time in individual and group counseling. Both groups were pretested on the Adult Self Expression Scale, which is a self-report assertiveness inventory, and were posttested on written responses to two situations and verbal responses to two roleplayed situations. Significant differences were found between the two experimental groups for the two written situations and one of the roleplayed situations. The null hypothesis of no significant difference could not be rejected for one of the roleplayed situations. There were significant positive correlations between the responses of the two written situations and one of the roleplayed situations. It is concluded that two forms of assertive behavior; i.e., the ability to write assertive responses and the ability to verbally formulate a three-part assertive response, in an ex-offender population increased as a result of the assertive training program. It is suggested that future research focus on the development of an appropriate followup measure. Appendixes contain the training manual, the Adult Self Expression Scale, and data tables. Approximately 100 references are given. (Author abstract modified)