Examined type of situation and sex of the counselor in assertive training. Female subjects were given training in making complaints, small talk, and saying no to unreasonable requests. Significant improvement occurred. Subjects seen by a male counselor changed significantly more than subjects seen by a female counselor. (Author)

The present study evaluated the likelihood that volunteers for behavior therapy research are self-selected on variables known to moderate therapeutic outcomes. Compared with nonvolunteers, volunteers reported greater anxiety and externality. Among speech-anxious subjects, however, no volunteer bias was observed. (Author)