Covert modeling, imagery assessment, and assertive behavior.

The purpose of the present investigation was (a) to examine the effect of two variables in developing assertive behavior using covert modeling and (b) to develop a technique to assess ongoing imagery during treatment. In a 2 × 2 design, the number of models imagined (imagining several models versus imagining a single model perform assertively) and model reinforcement (imagining favorable consequences following model behavior versus imagining no consequences) were combined. A nonassertive-model control group that imagined assertion-relevant scenes was included in the design. The results indicated that imagining multiple models or model reinforcement enhanced behavior change across self-report inventories and a behavioral role-playing test. Treatment effects transferred to novel role-playing situations and were maintained at a 4-month follow-up assessment. Assessment of imagery during the session corroborated the adherence of subjects to the imagery conditions to which they were assigned. However, subjects systematically introduced elaborations into the scenes. The data suggest the importance of assessing imagery in covert conditioning therapy studies.