Assertiveness Training

Communicating effectively during an inpatient stay is vital to treatment.

The goal of assertiveness training is to increase the number and variety of situations in which assertive behavior is possible, and decrease occasions of passive collapse or hostile blow-up.

About Assertiveness

Assertiveness was initially described as a personality trait by Andrew Salter in 1949. It was thought that some people had it, and some people didn't, just like extroversion or stinginess.

But Wolpe (1958) and Lazarus (1966) redefined assertiveness as "expressing personal rights and feelings."

They found that nearly everybody could be assertive in some situations, and yet be totally ineffectual in others.

For More Information

Interventions are offered to inpatients. Please request ORT services upon admission.

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke University Hospital
  2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710