title: [Effects of assertive training on interpersonal relations, social behavior, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with a mental disorder].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul, Korea. hksun@korea.ac.kr
authors.forename: Kuem Sun
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Hee Su
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Im
authors.forename: Bo Kyum
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Hae Kyung
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Yong Jin
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Suh
mesh_terms: 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