Nonassertiveness: Skill deficit or selective self-evaluation?

Abstract

Assertive and nonassertive college students were asked to role play a series of assertion situations. The videotaped situations were rated by trained observers and by subjects themselves. Assertive and nonassertive subjects did not differ in behavioral competence while role playing. However, nonassertive subjects rated themselves as less assertive, less effective, and more anxious than did assertive subjects. In addition, nonassertive subjects reported greater anxiety while role playing and were more likely to endorse Ellis' irrational beliefs. The results suggested that nonassertiveness in this group of college students was associated with negative self-evaluation processes rather than skill deficits.