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Improving the work environment of nurses: The effect of assertiveness training on the experience of incivility in the workplace, interpersonal conflict, and voice behavior

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Given the vital role of nurses in providing healthcare services, their well-being requires attention. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of assertiveness training on workplace incivility, interpersonal conflict, and voice behavior.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population were all nurses working in one of the teaching hospitals of Mashhad, Iran. Using a multi-stage random sampling method, 40 nurses were selected and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups, considering the inclusion criteria. The instruments used in this study included the Workplace Incivility Experience Scale and the Interpersonal Conflict and Voice Behavior Scale. In the experimental group, the intervention consisted of 8 sessions of assertiveness training, while the members of the control group received no intervention. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that assertiveness training led to a significant reduction in the experience of workplace incivility (P≤0.001, η²=0.903) and interpersonal conflict (P≤0.001, η²=0.824), and a significant increase in voice behavior (P≤0.001, η²=0.763) in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that assertiveness training is an effective intervention for healthcare organizations to mitigate workplace incivility and interpersonal conflict among nurses, while simultaneously promoting their voice behavior for improved patient safety and care quality.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References
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Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences
Volume 33, Issue 3
July and August 2026
Pages 1108-1119
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History
  • Receive Date: 27 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 07 June 2026
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