Situational context: Effects on perceptions of assertive and unassertive behavior

Janet S. St. Lawrence, David J. Hansen, Teresa F. Cutts, Debra A. Tisdelle, Jean D. Irish

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Several recent studies have evaluated interpersonal reactions to assertive and unassertive behavioral styles in social conflict (refusal) situations. To date, no research has examined the influence of different situational contexts on observers' judgments. In the present study, college students observed videotapes which showed a model handling either social conflict situations, commendatory situations, or combination of both situations in either an assertive or unassertive manner. Because the actor's sex may also influence the way assertiveness is viewed, both male and female models were used. Subjects then completed a 26-item adjective checklist describing the model they observed. Results were factor analyzed, then subjected to multivariate data analyses. The findings indicated that assertive, commendatory skill is a significant moderator variable influencing subjects' interpersonal reactions to assertive and unassertive behavior. Implications of the findings for clinical interventions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)51-62
Number of pages12
JournalBehavior Therapy
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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