Suggests that connotations of assertiveness do not convey all of its meanings, particularly the components of positive feelings, communication, and cooperation. The application of semantics can help restore the balance. Presents a model for differentiating assertive behavior and clarifying the definition. (JAC)

This curriculum is designed to provide students with specific techniques for communicating more assertively and dealing with manipulative behavior more effectively. The curriculum outlines five 40-minute sessions, each including appropriate student worksheets and transparency masters. The first session focuses on distinguishing among assertive,…

Examines the effectiveness of indirect requests in attaining assistance from intimate and nonintimate others. Finds that directness of requests increases request force and interacts with relational intimacy to influence verbal compliance. Finds that directness is more effective at eliciting verbal compliance at higher levels of intimacy. (KEH)

Mentally retarded adults (N=180) were asked 30 yes/no questions, to determine if their acquiescence is explained by indiscriminant yea-saying in response to the yes/no question format or due to subjects submitting to the influence of the interviewer. After selected questions, the interviewer either nodded his head "yes" or shook his head…

Discusses the importance of impression management, an individual's conscious attempt to exercise control over selected communicative behaviors and cues for purposes of making a desired impression. Provides a comprehensive conceptualization of the impression-management process, and demonstrates how this process can facilitate effective training of…

The ability of 10 adults with mental retardation to exhibit linguistic control within peer and staff dyads was evaluated. Participants produced significantly more utterances with staff than with peers; however, they did not exhibit significant amounts of directives or questions, the two types of verbal control bids studied. (Author/CR)

Assertiveness training can help people identify patterns of behavior that block effective communication. The concept of assertiveness and some practical exercises for exploring assertiveness with groups or individuals are presented in this curriculum guide. Intended for use in high school, in adult education classes, in job-related inservices or…

This document contains two curriculum guides, the first dealing with accountability skills and the second with social skills. The guides are products of project GOAL (Guidance Opportunities for Affective Learning), a program intended to meet the social/emotional needs of handicapped mainstreamed students in grades K-6 by improving classroom…

Briefly presents the results of an evaluation of a Hong Kong social skills training class. The class used Western-style training in that problem-solving skills, communication skills, relaxation skills, and assertiveness training were taught from a cognitive perspective. The evaluative instruments suggested significant improvement for the students.…