Sex Differences in Assertive Behavior: A Research Extension

This study was an extension of earlier empirical research measuring sex differences in assertive behavior. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule was used for measuring assertiveness and discriminant analysis was employed to differentiate maximally responses of males and females. 140 men and 195 women were tested. There were four significant findings. Men reported a significant tendency to assert themselves more than women in public situations while women reported a tendency to be more assertive in private interpersonal settings. Men reported a significantly greater tendency than women to be shy in dating situations. Finally, men reported a greater willingness than women to question publicly a person of high status. The implications of these results were discussed both in terms of earlier research and as they apply to behavior therapy.