Effects of assertiveness training on older adults' identity maintenance and control of interpersonal environment.
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| Other Authors: | , , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1983.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to ProQuest Copy |
| Abstract: | The study was designed to determine whether there is a relationship between participation in Assertiveness Training programs for persons over 65 years of age and the person's effectiveness in identity maintenance versus decline and degree of control of interpersonal environment. Identity maintenance was measured as self-concept and control of interpersonal environment was measured as self-reported assertive behavior in interpersonal situations. The Null Hypotheses investigated were: (1) participation in Assertiveness Training will not increase reported effectiveness in social power relationships; (2) there will be no difference in identity maintenance as measured by self-report of self-concept as a result of Assertiveness Training; and (3) selected personal characteristics such as majority/minority status, social class, and sex make no difference on outcome of Assertiveness Training. The method was Quasi-Experimental. The experimental group was given a six-week course in Assertiveness Training. The control group was not given training. Both groups were given pretests and posttests. The sample was selected from two groups of older adults in the San Antonio, Texas area, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and persons attending the Nutrition Centers for the elderly (The Office of Aging, Department of Human Resources). A total sample of 84 persons completed all phases of the research, 42 from AARP and 42 from Nutrition Centers. Two self-report scales were used: (1) Assertiveness Inventory (Alberti & Emmons, 1970); (2) Burger Scale for Expressed Acceptance of Self (Appendix A2). The principal finding of the study was a significant effect for the two main treatment variables, control of interpersonal environment as measured by intended assertive behavior, (p < .005); and identity maintenance as measured by the self-concept variable, (p < .006). Both groups gained significantly on the two measures with Assertiveness Training. On the self concept measure the influence of social class was significant within the experimental group. The results of the study indicated that Assertiveness Training is effective for older adults. However, the standard Assertiveness Training course as utilized in this study did not overcome consequences of socioeconomic differences on self concept or identity maintenance. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Adult and Extension Education." |
| Physical Description: | xii, 149 leaves ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-130). |