Effectiveness of Assertiveness Training on Self-Esteem Among Adolescents in a Selected School, Kannur District, Kerala

Background: Adolescence is a transitional phase often associated with low self-esteem, which can affect mental health and social adjustment. Assertiveness training is a behavioral intervention shown to enhance self-esteem and interpersonal skills. Objectives: To assess self-esteem among adolescents, evaluate the effectiveness of assertiveness training on self-esteem, and determine the association between self-esteem and selected socio-demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative evaluative approach with a one-group pre-test post-test design was used. Sixty adolescents aged 13–15 years were selected by purposive sampling from Anjarakandy Higher Secondary School, Kannur District. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem. Participants received a structured assertiveness training program comprising five sessions over 15 days. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In the pre-test, 80% of participants had low self-esteem and 20% had average self-esteem. After training, 98.3% reported high self-esteem, and 1.7% had average self-esteem. The mean self-esteem score increased from 10.55 to 29.45. The paired t test value (33.853) was significant at p < 0.05. Pre-test self-esteem was significantly associated with age, religion, residential area, and mother’s occupation. Conclusion: Assertiveness training is an effective, cost-efficient, and non-invasive intervention to improve self-esteem among adolescents. It can be integrated into school health programs and community health nursing practice