RESUMEN
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a self-help group on nursing students' assertiveness. It was conducted on 40 nursing students undergoing the psychiatric nursing experience at the Faculty of Nursing, Ain-Shams University during the academic year 2000-2001. They were divided into four groups of ten each. The first tool used in the study was an assertiveness scale covering rights awareness, work situations, self-expression and problem- solving techniques. It was applied pre and post the self-help group sessions. The second tool used was a self-assessment sheet that was used as a follow up for the students to evaluate themselves during the training sessions. The finding of the study revealed that the self-help groups had a positive effect on the participants' assertive behavior. The majority of the participants have been improved in their self-expression and problem- solving skills as a result of implementing the self-help group strategy. A little improvement was observed in the participants' interaction in their working situation. In general, there was an overall statistically significant improvement between the pre and post evaluation results in most items regarding the participants' assertiveness. It was recommended to implement the self-help group as a strategy to improve assertiveness