The Effects of Assertiveness Training and Cognitive Restructuring on Low Self-Esteem among University Students in Ghana

Abstract

Low self-esteem can pose serious threats to the general well-being of individuals and if not checked may lead to the development of mental health problems. The study sought to ascertain the effects of assertiveness training and cognitive restructuring on low self-esteem among technical university students in Ghana. The study employed the quasi-experimental design. The simple random sampling method was used to select 60 participants for the study. Rosenberg's Self-Esteem (RSE) Scales were used for the data collection. The Cronbach's alpha reliability co-efficient for the instrument was 0.77. The statistical tools used for data analysis were one-way analysis of covariance (One-way ANCOVA) and two-way analysis of covariance (twoway ANCOVA). The results showed that participants who were exposed to assertiveness training and cognitive restructuring recorded better scores in the post-test scores as compared to participants in the control group. It was concluded that assertiveness training and cognitive restructuring were effective in enhancing participants' self-esteem levels. It was therefore, recommended that counsellors should employ the two therapies to improve the self-esteem of students.