title: Assertiveness training for disabled adults in wheelchairs: self-report, role-play, and activity pattern outcomes.
abstract: Thirty-four physically disabled adults participated in an 11-week assertiveness training (AT) program. Ss were randomly assigned to either AT or a waiting-list (WL) condition. Each was asked to complete three self-report measures, a role-play test, and a social and recreational activity diary. The AT Ss showed significant improvements on both self-reported assertiveness and role-play performance from pre- to posttreatment, whereas WL controls showed no changes on these measures. No significant changes in frequency of social or recreational activities were found at posttest for either AT or control Ss. A mixed pattern of results was shown at 6-month follow-up. Posttest gains were maintained across all self-report measures of assertiveness and acceptance of disability, whereas role-play performance approached baseline levels at 6-month follow-up. Overall results support the use of AT in enhancing perceived social efficacy and interpersonal skill of physically disabled adults in wheelchairs.
authors.affiliation: Purdue School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Glueckauf
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Quittner
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001242:Assertiveness; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012381:Role Playing; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior