Sex Differences in Assertiveness in College Students

Abstract
The validity of the College Self-Expression Scale (CSES), a commonly used measure of assertion, was investigated by relating performance on this scale to two overt behavioral criteria in 81 undergraduate students. Four groups were formed on the basis of S's sex and the sex of a confederate (C) acting as another S. Assertion in one of the situations was defined as truthful insistence on S's part that he had arrived for the experiment prior to the other person. In the other situation, assertion required S s to report the other's cheating behavior when it occurred. S s who asserted themselves on the first measure scored significantly (p < .02) higher on the CSES than those who did not. Female students were significantly more assertive (p < .05) on the CSES than males. In the criterion situation each sex was significantly more assertive toward members of the same than the opposite sex. The study supported the validity of the CSES and offers evidence of important sex interaction effects.

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