Assertiveness in children: Some research considerations

Abstract

This article highlights five major areas in the field of children's assertiveness that have received insufficient attention by researchers and clinical practitioners. These areas include the nature and components of verbal and nonverbal assertiveness; cognitive and affective mediators of assertive expression; the influence of parental values, attitudes, and practices; the adaptiveness and successfulness of assertive vs. unassertive behavior; and the assessment and treatment of specific assertiveness deficits and inhibitions. A critical review of existing research and suggestions for future inquiry in each of these areas are provided.

Notes

*The author wishes to extend his appreciation to Daniel P. Keating for his valuable comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript.