Chronic schizophrenic patients tend to be excessively compliant, submissive, and socially
inhibited. Moreover, deficits in assertiveness skills are important components of social dysfunction
in schizophrenia. Aim of the study: Aim of this study was to assess the effect of an assertiveness
training program on assertiveness skills and self esteem of schizophrenic patients. Design: A quasi
experimental design was used in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at the Abbasia
Psychiatric Mental Health Hospital. Subjects: A convenience sample of chronic schizophrenic
patients, study subjects included 60 male patients were recruited for the study, divided into equally
two groups (control and study groups). The study group only was received the assertiveness training
program. Tools for data collection: The study tools divided into three tools. Tool (1): Structured
Interview Questionnaire to assess socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, tool (II):
Assertiveness Scale, and tool (III): Self Esteem Scale. Results: The results indicated that the mean
scores of assertiveness skills of the study group was improvement at post program implementation
(21.16±1.80) comparing to pre program (10.40±3.83), and the results indicated that the mean scores
of self esteem of the study group was improvement at post program implementation (19.86± 5.28)
comparing to pre program (36.96±5.23), and was found a highly statistically significant negative
correlation between self esteem and assertiveness level of the studied sample. Conclusion: The
assertiveness training program had positive effect on assertiveness skills and self esteem of the
schizophrenic patients after receiving assertiveness training program. Recommendation: Based on
the results of this study we recommended, continuous follow-up for schizophrenic patients
participating in assertiveness training program to support and boost their learning skills. Further
studies, using a larger probability sample and female patients for generalization of the results.