“Impact of Assertiveness Training on Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents”

Abstract

Adolescents represent a critical segment of the population, particularly in India, which houses the world's largest adolescent demographic. As future stewards of the nation, the behavioral development of adolescents is paramount. Adolescence, marked by universal biological changes and culturally contextual psychosocial manifestations, has been a focal point of scientific inquiry since the late 19th century. Early contributions by psychologists like Hall, who characterized adolescence as a period of "storm and stress," laid the groundwork for contemporary research. This study explores the impact of assertiveness training (AT) on the psychological well-being of adolescents, a relatively under-researched area. Contrary to prior findings that assertiveness training significantly enhances psychological well-being, this study observed no substantial effects on overall well-being except for a notable improvement in self-acceptance. The results suggest that while assertiveness training can foster self-acceptance, a more prolonged and intensive intervention may be necessary to achieve broader psychological well-being. These findings underscore the importance of sustained and tailored interventions in the psychological development of adolescents.