Chapter 12: Assertiveness in Patients With Social Anxiety Disorder

Throughout this chapter, assertiveness is explored through many lenses. First, we start by establishing the different cognitive styles of assertive Communication. That is, how assertiveness interacts with modern theories or models. These are the Cognitive Behavioural theory and Cognitive Schema theory. Having explored the theoretical backbone of assertiveness, the first thing to be explored in this chapter is how Social Cognition is affected by assertiveness. What changes people's perception of others when they talk assertively? Understanding the inner workings of assertiveness in cognition, we explore Interpersonal effectiveness skills and assertiveness training in patients with social anxiety disorders. That is, how assertive behaviour is taught in a therapeutic context and how effective it is within problem resolution. It also leads us to discuss the need for assertiveness in the professional or business context. How many reports have shown a need for assertiveness training in clinical and professional contexts? How to teach it effectively and promote assertive behaviour in said environments.