Effect of assertiveness skills training on nursing students' competencies

Background

Healthcare services require effective interaction with patients, their relatives, and members of the multidisciplinary team in complex and dynamic environments. Health professionals need well-developed communication skills to ensure that these interactions promote and maintain patient safety.

Aim

This study aimed to develop a cognitive behavioral therapy based assertiveness training program to improve the nursing students' competencies and to evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods

This study was conducted using a control group experimental design based on the pre-test and post-test model. The study was completed with 53 students, 28 and 25 in the training and the control groups, respectively. The cognitive behavioral therapy based assertiveness training applied in this study were conducted online via Zoom twice a week for a total of eight sessions. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and independent sample t-test method.

Results

The assertiveness scores of the students in the training group increased significantly (p = 0.004), there was no significant change in the scores of those in the control group (p = 0.922). There was no statistically significant improvement in self-confidence (p = 0.180) and self-esteem levels after the training (p = 0.519).

Conclusions

The results showed that the training program provided a decrease in the passive behaviors of nursing students and an improvement in their assertive behaviors. Individuals can be enabled to recognize their needs and desires in communication, reject unrealistic requests, and express their feelings in a direct way with assertiveness training. Studies with larger sample groups and longer follow-up evaluations are recommended to be conducted in the future.