IMAGERY ELABORATION AND SELF-EFFICACY IN THE COVERT MODELING TREATMENT OF UNASSERTIVE BEHAVIOR

Examined the effects of client elaboration of imagery during covert modeling treatment and the effects of treatment of unassertiveness on self-efficacy. 48 nonassertive clients (Conflict Resolution Inventory) received covert modeling alone, covert modeling plus scene elaboration, covert modeling plus yoked elaborations, or assertion-relevant scenes (nonassertive model) plus elaboration. Covert modeling led to improvements on self-report and behavioral measures of assertiveness and self-efficacy. Covert modeling plus elaboration achieved greater change than did other covert modeling groups. Treatment effects transferred to novel role-playing scenes and were maintained up to the 6-mo follow-up assessment. The treatment effects brought clients within the range of 45 other Ss who regarded themselves as particularly adept in social situations requiring assertive behavior and had not sought treatment. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.