Sex Differences in Self-Reported Assertiveness

Abstract

This study compares the use of t tests and a more conservative stepwise multiple regression analysis of sex differences of self-reported assertion. Using this procedure, women reported being significantly more assertive than men on four of the five items of the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, although over-all, men's scores showed men reported being more assertive. Different results of Hollandsworth and Wall (1977) and Rathus and Nevid (in press) were discussed in terms of sample and situational specificity. Still, this study showed no significant sex differences on 24 of 30 items.