Validity of the Revised Assertiveness Scale Measuring Four Dimensions : The Relationships between Assertiveness and Aggression

Abstract

This study measured assertiveness in terms of four dimensions (open expression, control of emotion, consideration for others, and self-direction) and had the following three objectives. First, the existing assertiveness scale containing the four dimensions was reorganized. Second, the validity of the revised scale was determined by examining the relationship of the four dimensions with the prior assertiveness scale and aggression. Third, the effect of assertiveness on mental health was examined. The data used was obtained from questionnaires completed by 280 undergraduate students. In this study, the scale of the four dimensions was modified such that it did not contain hypothetical situations and each dimension had the same number of items. The relationships between the four dimensions and the prior assertiveness scale and with aggression were examined. Open expression, control of emotion, and self-direction had content in common with the prior assertiveness scale. These three dimensions also had conceptual similarity to verbal aggression. Consideration for others had content that the prior assertiveness scale had not implied. This dimension tended to be confused with aggressive cognition in this study. In previous research, some of the dimensions had curvilinear relationships with mental health, however, the results of this study revealed linear relationships between elements that regulate the execution of self-expression, such as control of emotion and mental health. Therefore, future studies are needed to develop a more precise measurement of the dimensions of assertiveness, particularly consideration for others.