Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an assertive training program on the self concept, manifestations of assertive behaviors and level of knowledge of appropriate assertive response behaviors on a pre-release inmate population.
Hypotheses The significance of differences was tested between the experimental and control subjects on the following variables: 1) self concept, 2) conduct, 3) discipline patterns, 4) visitation privileges earned, 5) levelof knowledge of assertive response behavior patterns, and 6) assertive response patterns employed in interactions with counselors. The .05 level of significance served as the decision rule.
Significance of the Study The anticipated benefits of this study were:
1) To provide aggressive individuals with alternative ways of responding;
2) To add empirical evidence relative to the effectiveness of assertive training on the self concept; and
3) To sensitize correctional professionals to the appropriateness of using the verbal response model of assertiveness in altering the behavior of inmates.
Research Methodology The randomized group pre-post test control group design was used in this study. The treatment consisted of a modified version of the Verbal Response Model of Assertiveness. The instruments used were the Adult Self Expression Scale, Tennessee Self Concept Scale, Assertive Response Pattern Test and Interaction with Counselors' Inventory,
Conclusions
The- findings of the study seem to warrant the following conclusions: 1) Exposure to the Verbal Response Model of Assertiveness did significantly influence the level of knowledge of appropriate assertive responses of inmates;
2) The self concept of aggressive and non-assertive inmates who were exposed to an assertive training program were not significantly affected;
3) Assertive training did not significantly influence the conduct, discipline patterns, visitation privileges earned and assertive responses used with counselors of inmates; and
4) Differential effects on individuals exposed to the treatment were observed as attested to by the descriptive analysis and by verbal reports from members of the professional staff.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:auctr.edu/oai:digitalcommons.auctr.edu:dissertations-3136 |
| Date | 01 July 1984 |
| Creators | Tolbert, Myra D. |
| Publisher | DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center |
| Source Sets | Atlanta University Center |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | ETD Collection for Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center |
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