Assessing Subjective Responses to Assertive Behavior

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Abstract
Research in assertion training has focused primarily on the acquisition, transfer, and maintenance of skills. Little research has been conducted on other parameters influencing skills training. The present study examined the subjective reactions of two different samples of patients (psychiatric and nonpsychiatric) to filmed vignettes of assertive and unassertive behavior. The videotapes consisted of four males and four females, each of whom behaved either assertively or passively in four different situations that are typically used in assertion training. After viewing one of these models, the patients completed an inventory designed to evaluate the interpersonal attractiveness of the model. Multivariate analyses of the data indicated that assertive behavior was viewed as skilled and capable but was concomitantly rated as significantly less likable than passive behavior. The clinical implications of these perceptions of assertion are discussed.