ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with practice guidelines for other social workers wishing to replicate the group assertiveness training approach. The described program for group assertiveness training, originally developed for women, was subsequently used with both sexes. The leader begins the first group session of a typical five-week program by providing clear definitions of assertiveness, non-assertiveness, and aggressiveness. Members are expected to practice what they have learned in class and monitor their assertiveness during the week. Wrist counters, usually commercially available golf-stroke counters, help members acknowledge assertiveness attempts and successes. Problems with implementing assertiveness training were solicited. A data sample was obtained from sixty-eight women who participated in thirteen different assertion training groups led by one of three Women’s Institute staff counselors. Trainers of women may view self-reinforcement as more important, or women clients may be more responsive than men to the technique.
