Sex differences in assertive behaviour?

Abstract

A discriminant analysis of responses to the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) was performed to investigate sex-related differences in assertiveness. The analysis revealed a discriminant function differentiating between males and females, with males scoring higher on the function than females. However, inspection of the composition of the discriminant function indicated that responses on a significant number of the items of the RAS did not differ between males and females, and furthermore, on some items, females reported themselves as more assertive than males. Results are discussed in terms of claims that the RAS is a measure of a “general” trait of assertiveness.