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 less than 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.