Psychiatric Nurse-Led Assertiveness Therapy: A Standardized Protocol for the Reduction of Violent Behavior in Schizophrenia

METHODS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized, psychiatric nurse-led five CBT-based session Assertiveness Training (AT) protocol, delivered alongside Standard Nursing Intervention (SNI), in reducing VB among hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. This quasi-experimental study assigned 60 inpatients to control (SNI) or intervention (SNI + AT). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and Days 5, 11, and 17 using validated instruments for VB ability and symptoms. Mixed ANOVA controlled for baseline differences. RESULTS: = 0.225). The five-session AT protocol produced robust behavioral improvements. Its modular design supports scalability and task-shifting in resource-limited settings. Integration with emotion-focused approaches may further enhance affective outcomes.