An elemental model of assertive behavior: The effects of attraction, authority, and type of expression elements on perceived assertive behavior

The popular literature of the general public and the more esoteric literature of the psychologists have both reflected a growing awareness of a complex set of behaviors subsumed under the broad title of "assertiveness." Although assertiveness has become increasingly visible in the literature, little effort has been directed toward systematic investigation of this construct.

The increased emphasis on this newly emerging construct has raised various research and applied questions suitable for scientific investigation. For example, the interested psychologist might ask: just what is assertiveness; is it the same to all people; why is it so popular; and, finally, is it really an expression of a prosocial response?

The general purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual model of assertive behavior and to examine the functional relationship between assertive behavior, attraction, and status variables. A corollary purpose was to explore the intention to behave assertively in specific situations.