Assertiveness Training

Description of the Strategy

Assertiveness can be defined in a variety of ways, though perhaps most simply as the honest and appropriate expression of one's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs without violating the rights of others. As such, assertiveness training (AT) is a cognitive-behavioral technique that has been primarily used to teach children appropriate ways to express anger. AT is also often used to help children overcome individual forms [Page 676]of inhibited expression, including difficulty making requests or expressing opinions. AT is often used as a part of a broader treatment program (e.g., for impulsive or anxious children) and has also been used in bullying programs in schools and other settings.

Used alone or in conjunction with other forms of treatment, AT is based ...