Assertiveness Training for People With a Mental Handicap A Group Approach

The proceedings of a 16-session assertiveness group consisting of five participants and two group leaders, are described and measures of efficacy and consumer satisfaction discussed. The intervention included cognitive-behavioural methods such as self-evaluation, self-regulation and problem-solving training. The use of hand signs were found to be particularly useful as prompts for the four core aspects of assertion and participants were observed to use them as self-regulation cues in their day-to-day life. It was generally found that according to self-reports, attendance to the group had beneficial effects. The self-report measures employed in this study were considered to be valid and reliable for all but one of the participants.