A task analysis of assertive behavior revisited: Replication and extension

Abstract

The study was designed to replicate and extend Schwartz and Gottman's (1976) task analysis of the deficits in nonassertive behavior. The study extended previous research by comparing groups differing in assertiveness on measures of positive assertion, information-processing style, and social problem-solving ability. Contrary to Schwartz and Gottman, only high assertive subjects demonstrated competence in content knowledge and informal delivery of refusal responses. Also, high assertive subjects performed better under direct delivery conditions and reported more positive self-statements replicating previous findings. Although groups did not differ on component measures of positive assertion and social problem solving, high compared to low assertives were more abstract in information-processing style. This relationship was replicated with a second sample. Overall, the findings suggest that training in assertive behavior should give equal attention to deficits in both cognitive and overt response skills.