Rathus assertiveness test

The Rathus assertiveness test was developed based on a need detected in the 60s. Assertiveness, as a social and communication skill, is essential for our mental well-being. Knowing how to correctly express thoughts and needs, defend rights, etc., optimizes our relationships with others and, in turn, acts as a nutrient for our self-esteem.

Therefore, we are faced with a dimension that does not always come from the “factory”, but that should always be developed. Thus, it is interesting to know that he Assertiveness training was one of the first techniques developed by behavioral therapists in the late fifties and early sixties.

The experts were clear that it was necessary to offer guidelines and strategies to people in this matter. They knew that, when human beings communicate and behave assertively, aggressive behaviors are reduced. In addition, respect is praised and each person’s identity, values ​​and self-confidence are protected. Without these areas, without a good level of assertiveness, we are in many cases doomed to suffering..

This instrument, developed by Dr. Spencer A. Rathus in 1973, continues to be as useful as it is interesting.. Thanks to it, we can measure our competence in assertiveness. Let’s see more data below.

Rathus assertiveness test

The Rathus assertiveness test was developed more than 40 years ago. However, It is still just as valid, reliable and useful when it comes to giving us information about a person in this area. It should be noted, however, that during these years it has been updated (Thompson and Berenbaum, 2011) and that, today, it is also interesting for another aspect that Dr. Spencer Rathus himself pointed out at the time.

There are people who perceive themselves as highly assertive, when in reality what they are including in their behavior and communication style is aggressiveness.. This instrument, therefore, also gives us information about whether the subject precisely has an aggressive and non-assertive profile. On the other hand, the Rathus assertiveness test was conceived with another purpose: to serve as a training scale.

What does the Rathus test measure?

It offers us information on the following points:

This test measures a person’s level of assertiveness. It offers us information about whether or not they usually defend their rights, ideas and needs. Likewise, we obtain data to know if they are a passive person or, on the contrary, aggressive. Another interesting detail of the test Rathus’s assertiveness is that the information we receive, It will help us to know what areas we should work on. There are those who, for example, have low assertiveness due to their social anxiety. This would therefore be an aspect that we should address.

What is the Rathus assertiveness test?

The Rathus scale consists of 30 items (questions) with 6 response options. (they range from very characteristic of me to not at all characteristic). This test gives us a final score, as well as a percentile.

The questions are the following.

1. Most people around me seem to be more aggressive and assertive than me.2. I have hesitated to make or accept appointments because of shyness.3. When the food served in a restaurant is not made to my satisfaction, I complain to the waiter or waitress.4. I am careful to avoid hurting other people’s feelings, even when I feel like they have hurt me.5. If a salesperson has gone to a lot of trouble to show me clothes or objects that I don’t like, it’s hard for me to say no.6. When I am asked to do something, I insist on knowing why.7. I almost always look for firm and forceful arguments when I have a conversation.8. I strive just to get ahead, without attracting attention.9. To be honest, people often take advantage of me.10. I like to start conversations with unknown people.11. I often don’t know what to say to people I’m attracted to.12. I hesitate to make phone calls to commercial establishments and institutions.13. I prefer to apply for a job or admission to a course by writing emails rather than going through personal interviews.14. I find it embarrassing to return something I have bought.15. If a close relative bothers me, I keep quiet and hide it.16. I have avoided asking questions for fear of looking stupid.17. I don’t like discussions, they block me.18. If a well-known professor makes a statement that I believe is incorrect, I will correct him in public to make my point clear.19. I avoid discussing my salary during job interviews.20. When I have done something important or worthwhile, I manage to let others know about it.21. I am open and frank about my feelings.22. If someone has been spreading false and bad stories about me, I see that person as soon as possible to talk about it.23. I often find it difficult to say no.24. I always tend to repress my emotions.25. I never hesitate to complain about bad service in bars or restaurants.26. When I receive a compliment I don’t know what to say.27. If a couple near me in a theater or at a conference were chatting loudly, I would ask them to shut up or keep their conversation elsewhere.28. Anyone who tries to be better than me at something must be prepared to deal with me.29. I am quick to express an opinion.30. There are times when I simply feel unable to say anything.

Assessment of the Rathus test

To evaluate this test, the evaluators know that there are questions that score positive and others score negative.. The sum of each point will give us a figure and, from it, we will know what percentile we are in; either in that of an assertive person, not at all assertive, moderately assertive or, on the contrary, aggressive.

Next, the psychologist will explain to us what areas we should work on, with what tools and what guidelines would be best based on our personal needs.

Finally, it should be noted that assertiveness is a matter of practiceis also managing our insecurity and social anxiety to set limits and relate to others in a more secure and decisive way.

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