Effective of Assertiveness Training in Reducing Shyness Among Secondary School Students in Ikare–Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ability for self-expression is one of the factors required to keep people on top irrespective of their socio-economic background. This study examined the effectiveness of assertiveness training in reducing shyness among secondary school students in Ikare, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study equally looked at the impact of gender on the shyness level of the students. Forty students were randomly assigned to two experimental groups that participated in the study. A 2 x 2 factorial design of two experimental groups consisting of assertiveness and control groups was employed for the study. Male and female were also included at the gender level. The pre-test and post-test measures of the two experimental groups were measured by using shyness scale. The experimental group one was subjected to 8 days training. In order to explore the effects of assertiveness training in reducing shyness among students, a t-test was used to analyse the null hypotheses generated. The results revealed significant difference in the shyness level of assertiveness training and control groups. Result for hypothesis 2 however showed that there is no significant difference in shyness level based on gender. Based on this result, it could be concluded that assertiveness training is capable of contributing positively to the reduction of shyness among students. Therefore, it is recommended that assertiveness skill training should be employed by counsellors in the treatment of shyness and other related social concerns among secondary school students.