Sex differences in assertive behavior: An empirical investigation.

Assertion training for women has been justified on the basis that women are generally less assertive than men or that women have unique problems in being assertive. A review of the literature for sex-related data from selfreport measures of assertion indicated that without exception males report higher frequencies of assertive behavior than females. The means are significantly different, however, for only 4 (29%) of the 14 samples reviewed. Differential responding for males and females on individual items from the Adult Self Expression Scale was investigated using four samples comprising a total of 294 male and 408 female subjects. Men report themselves as more assertive than women on items dealing with bosses and supervisors. Men also report themselves as being more outspoken when stating opinions and as taking the initiative more readily in social contacts with members of the opposite sex. Women on the other hand report themselves as more assertive in expressing love, affection, and compliments as well as expressing anger to one's parents. The question of how these sex differences in assertive behavior are affected in assertion-tra ining groups composed entirely of women is discussed.