Reactions to Assertive Versus Nonassertive Behavior

Abstract

Although researchers have recently begun to examine the social impact of assertive versus nonassertive behavior, assertiveness in positive situations (com-mendatory assertion) has largely been ignored in these studies. In the present study, subjects observed a videotape showing a female stimulus model acting either assertively or nonassertively in four different situations. Two of these situations involved the expression of positive emotions (commendatory assertion) and two involved the expression of negative feelings (refusal assertion). After viewing the videotape, subjects were asked to evaluate the model by completing an interpersonal attraction inventory. In addition, subjects completed the College Self-Expression Scale, a self-report assertiveness inventory. In contrast to prior findings, assertive models were viewed as more likable and more competent than nonassertive models. Subject assertiveness level did not affect the social impact of assertive behavior. Implications of the results for assertiveness training are discussed.