Describes and critiques criteria used to evaluate socially competent behavior of women. Discusses the relationship between the definition of competence used and the assessment methods relied on. Notes the advantages of focusing on specific goals and provides a checklist that consumers can use to review the content of training programs. (Author/ABB)

Criticizes the overuse of the helping model for interpersonal communication courses in teacher education. Discusses alternatives to the helping model, including the psychological perspectives of Maslow, Clarizio, and Gellerman; Cutlip's public relations model; Rapaport's conflict resolution perspective; Goldstein's assertiveness training model;…

Investigated relationship among nonacademic factors and retention of Black students at predominantly White universities. Examined assertiveness as measured by the College Self Expression Scale, cumulative grade point average, and retention of 119 Black college students. While nonsignificant findings prevailed when total sample was analyzed, trends…

Unassertive women (n=36) assessed as high or low on conceptual level (CL) were randomly assigned to high-structure-behavioral or low-structure-cognitive forms of assertion training (AT). Low-CL clients in the matched condition improved most in verbal assertiveness. No matching effects were found with high-CL clients. (Author/KS)

Examined the effects of personal warmth and success modeling on behavior change among females experiencing assertion deficits. Results indicated both confederate warmth and success modeling influenced the level of assertion change behavior reported by group members. Attributions for influence to effect change and change performance are discussed.…

Presents a model for training assertion group leaders which includes a short-term workshop, ongoing supervision, and graduated levels of leadership responsibility. The model was tested on a group of counseling graduate students. The format and content of the workshop is outlined as well as selection guidelines for participants. (JAC)

Describes the advantages of the skills training model and the concept of bicultural competence as applicable to a wide range of problem areas particularly relevant to American Indian people. Provides a guide for social competence in which this population is able to meet the general demands of cultural adaptation. (LLL)

Evaluated the effectiveness of assertiveness training in 59 counselor trainees working with depressed clients. Results showed supervisors rated the experimental group higher, but differences on other measures such as reduction of depression in clients and client ratings of counselors were not statistically significant. (JAC)

The present study analyzed the components of assertive behavior. Assertiveness problems were conceptualized in terms of a task analysis of the topography of competent responding. Subjects (N=101) who spanned the range of assertiveness responded to three sets of situations requiring refusal of an unreasonable request. (Author)

Many women have undergone assertive training to prepare themselves for the demands of a professional career or independent life style. In the case of professional women, this article suggests that assertive training should focus more on altering certain socialization processes than on increasing overt assertiveness skills. (Author)

Subjects (N=18) were treated for social nonassertion, nine in a behavioral rehearsal group and nine in an eclectic nonrehearsal group. Comparisons were made based on physiological, behavioral, and self-report measures. Both treatment groups displayed statistically significant increases in assertive behaviors. (Author)

Explores the growing phenomena of mothers whose children have become old enough and who now wish to achieve an independent career outside the home. It discusses the typical characteristics of these women and the ways in which counseling can help them in their re-entry. (NG)

This participant's manual provides materials related to a national teleconference on the next generation of independent living leadership for people with disabilities. Introductory material includes the conference agenda, information about the trainers, and information about the sponsoring organizations, the Independent Living Research Utilization…

Investigates the consequences of the Great Depression experiences on middle- and working-class women by examining their well-being in old age 40 years later. Results showed consistently adverse effects of economic loss for working-class women and benign outcomes among women of higher status. (Author/RM)

Investigated whether assertive and nonassertive individuals differ in defense mechanisms they most typically rely on when confronted with interpersonal stress and conflict. Results indicated assertive males and females both endorsed the most adaptive defense mechanism cluster, whereas nonassertive males and females endorsed more primitive defense…