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Rational, Emotive, Self-Instructional, and Behavioral Assertion Training: Facilitating maintenance

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Abstract

Sixty-three subassertive adults participated in four 90-minute sessions of group assertion training. The treatment components of challenging maladaptive cognitions and learning self-instructions were examined by comparing Rational-Emotive, Self-Instructional, and Behavioral Assertion Training. The first two treatment groups included behavior rehearsal. A delayed-treatment control group was also employed. The three training groups were not found to be significantly different at posttest on self-report and behavioral measures of assertiveness. Generalization of treatment gains was successfully demonstrated for all three training groups on role-played scenes not previously rehearsed. However, on an in vivo test of transfer of training at posttest, only the Rational-Emotive group evidenced significant generalization of treatment gains. Improvements in assertiveness were shown to be successfully maintained at 3-month follow-up for all three training groups. These findings were discussed in terms of the specific techniques employed to facilitate maintenance (e.g., use of personalized assertive scenes for role playing and self-monitoring during follow-up).

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Reference Notes

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This study is based on a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology from the University of Montana. The author expresses his appreciation to Philip H. Bornstein for his supervision and critical reading of the manuscript.

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Carmody, T.P. Rational, Emotive, Self-Instructional, and Behavioral Assertion Training: Facilitating maintenance. Cogn Ther Res 2, 241–253 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01185786

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