Introduction
Assertiveness training is a form of behavioral therapy that focuses on Developing cognitive flexibility effective communication skills and confidence levels. Through assertiveness training, individuals learn how to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear and direct manner while respecting the rights of others. This form of therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with setting boundaries, standing up for themselves, or expressing their needs in interpersonal relationships.

Objective
The objective of this observational research study is to examine the impact of assertiveness training on communication skills and confidence levels in a sample of participants. By analyzing the changes in participants' assertiveness levels before and after the training program, we aim to assess the effectiveness of assertiveness training in improving communication skills and confidence levels.

Methodology
Participants:
A total of 50 participants were recruited for this study. The participants were selected through convenience sampling from a local community center. The inclusion criteria for participation in the study were individuals who were 18 years of age or older and were interested in improving their communication skills and confidence levels through assertiveness training.

Procedure:
The participants were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group consisted of 25 participants who underwent a 6-week assertiveness training program, which included weekly group sessions led by a trained therapist. The control group consisted of 25 participants who did not receive any form of assertiveness training and served as a comparison group.

Assessment Tools:
Before the start of the training program, all participants completed a pre-test assessment using the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS), a self-report questionnaire that measures assertiveness levels. The RAS consists of 30 items that assess three dimensions of assertiveness: passive, aggressive, and assertive behaviors. Participants rated each item on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

At the end of the 6-week training program, all participants completed a post-test assessment using the same RAS questionnaire to measure any changes in their assertiveness levels. Additionally, participants in the experimental group completed a satisfaction survey to gather feedback on their overall experience with the training program.

Data Analysis:
Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group on the RAS questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare the post-test scores of the experimental group with those of the control group.

Results
The results of the study revealed a significant improvement in assertiveness levels among participants in the experimental group who underwent the assertiveness training program. The pre-test mean score on the RAS questionnaire for the experimental group was 65.4, which increased to a post-test mean score of 81.2. This increase was statistically significant (t(24) = 5.63, p < 0.001), indicating a significant improvement in assertiveness levels among participants in the experimental group.

In comparison, the control group showed no significant change in assertiveness levels from the pre-test to the post-test assessments. The pre-test mean score for the control group was 67.1, which remained relatively unchanged at a post-test mean score of 66.8. The difference between the post-test scores of the experimental group and the control group was statistically significant (t(48) = 4.27, p < 0.001), indicating that assertiveness training had a positive impact on the communication skills of participants.

Furthermore, the satisfaction survey results from the experimental group indicated that the majority of participants found the assertiveness training program to be highly beneficial in improving their communication skills and confidence levels. Participants reported feeling more assertive in their communication, more confident in expressing their needs and boundaries, and more equipped to handle interpersonal conflicts.

Discussion
The findings of this observational research study suggest that assertiveness training can be an effective intervention for improving communication skills and confidence levels among individuals. The significant increase in assertiveness levels among participants in the experimental group indicates that assertiveness training can lead to positive changes in communication behaviors, such as expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful manner.

The lack of significant change in assertiveness levels among participants in the control group highlights the importance of specific interventions, such as assertiveness training, in addressing communication difficulties. By learning assertiveness skills, individuals can develop the confidence and ability to navigate challenging interpersonal situations and improve their overall well-being.

Limitations and Future Directions
One limitation of this study is the lack of random assignment of participants to the experimental and control groups, which may have introduced selection bias. Future research could benefit from a randomized controlled trial design to strengthen the validity of the findings. Additionally, a longer follow-up period could provide insights into the long-term effects of assertiveness training on communication skills and confidence levels.

Conclusion
In conclusion, assertiveness training has been shown to be an effective intervention for improving communication skills and confidence levels among individuals. The results of this observational research study highlight the positive impact of assertiveness training on assertiveness levels, as evidenced by the significant improvements in communication behaviors among participants in the experimental group. By enhancing assertiveness skills, individuals can develop the confidence and ability to communicate effectively in interpersonal relationships and achieve personal growth.