[Effects of assertive training on interpersonal relations, social behavior, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with a mental disorder].
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to examine the effects of an assertive training program on interpersonal relations, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with a mental disorder.


METHODS
The study employed a quasi experimental design. The subjects included 44 patients with a mental disorder, 20 in the experimental group, and 24 in the control group. Data was collected using structured questionnaires over a 3 month period.


RESULTS
There were greater significant increases in scores of interpersonal relations and content of communication in the experimental group than the control group. Also, there was a greater significant decrease in the score of psychiatric symptoms in the experimental group than the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Assertive training has an effect on increasing content of communication and decreasing psychiatric symptoms.
Han
Kuem Sun
KS
College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul, Korea. hksun@korea.ac.kr
Im
Hee Su
HS
Yang
Bo Kyum
BK
Chung
Hae Kyung
HK
Suh
Yong Jin
YJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001242:Assertiveness; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior