Nonverbal Components in the Communication of Assertiveness

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Abstract
Male and female subjects, viewing only the nonverbal behavior of high/ low male and female models, rated model behavior according to (a) the degree to which nine body parts conveyed information regarding level of assertiveness, (b) overall assertiveness, (c) a semantic differential scale, (d) the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule completed by subjects instructed to place themselves in individual model's roles, and (e) narrative forms indicating means by which various body parts communicated information regarding models' levels of assertiveness. Results indicated high assertive models were distinguished from low for all dependent measures on the basis of nonverbal cues alone. Moreover, nonverbal behavior revealed more information regarding level of assertiveness for male than for female models. In addition, particular body dimensions (i.e., hands, arm position, and overall body cues) were found significantly more salient than others in the communication of assertiveness. These findings were discussed with regard to research and practice in assertion training.

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