Assessing assertive behaviour in student nurses: a comparison of assertion measures

This study compared four different assertive measurements used to assess student-nurse behaviour The measurements employed included a semantic differential ‘subjective self-report’, the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, a behavioural test, and observer ratings The study was divided into three different phases In phase one, subjects (n= 19) were requested to complete the two self-report measures Several days later, they were asked to partake in a behavioural test which took the form of a response to an unreasonable request The final phase entailed observers (n= 9) viewing a video-recording of the behavioural test (without sound) and rating subjects on levels of assertiveness Analyses of the results revealed only one significant finding, namely that there was a positive relationship between the scores on the Semantic Differential Measurement and the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (P <0.05) No other significant results emerged The findings of this investigation are discussed in the context of the role of assertive behaviour in nursing.