What Rathus Assertion Test Can Teach Us

Rathus self-assertion test, developed by Dr. Spencer A. Rathus, is a test that measures people’s self-assertiveness. Self-assertion is a social skill that is important for our well-being. Knowing how to express our thoughts and needs and defend our rights is something that can strengthen our relationships with others and improve our self-esteem. Even if not everyone is born with this ability, it is something that can be developed .

There are tips and strategies to improve this skill. Self-assertion can lead to reduced aggressive behavior in humans. Furthermore, it strengthens our self-esteem, our values ​​and our self-confidence. People who have poor self-assertiveness need more time to develop these qualities.

Rathus self-assertion test

This self-assertion test is still current and useful. Some people see themselves as extremely skilled at asserting themselves, but sometimes this is confused with aggression. The test can help distinguish between assertiveness and aggression. In addition, the Rathus test can be the basis for self-assertion training.

What does the test measure?

Rathus self-assertion test can measure the following:

• A person’s assertiveness.
• If a person tends to safeguard their rights, ideas and needs.
• If the person is passive or aggressive.
• The information you get from the test will help you understand which areas to work with. For example, a person who is bad at asserting himself due to social anxiety.

What questions are asked in Rathus’ self-assertion test?

Rathus scale consists of 30 questions with 6 answer options, which range from this describes me very well to  this does not describe me at all. The questions below are taken from Rathus, 1973:

1. Most people seem to be more aggressive and assertive than I am.
2. I have hesitated to arrange or say yes to meetings because of my shyness.
3. When I’m not happy with the food they serve me at a restaurant, I make my complaints to the waiter or waitress.
4. I carefully avoid hurting other people’s feelings, even if I feel that I myself have been insulted.
5. When a clerk has made a great effort to show me an item that is not really what I am looking for, I have a hard time saying “No”.
6. When someone asks me to do something, I insist on knowing why.
7. Sometimes I try to elicit a good, invigorating quarrel.
8. I struggle to stand out as much as most people in my position.
9. Honestly, it’s common for people to take advantage of me.
10. I like to start conversations with new acquaintances and strangers.
11. Often I do not know what to say to people who I find attractive.
12. I hesitate to call companies and institutions.
13. If I apply for a job or a place at the university, I do it in writing rather than through oral interviews.
14. I think it is embarrassing to return goods.
15. If a close and respected relative annoyed me, I would stifle my feelings rather than express my irritation.

Skillful self-assertion should not be confused with aggression

1. I have avoided asking questions for fear of sounding stupid.
2. When I quarrel with someone, I am sometimes afraid that I will be so upset that I start shaking my whole body.
3. If a well-known and respected speaker makes a remark that I consider to be incorrect, I will ensure that the audience also hears my point of view.
4. I avoid arguing about prices with shop assistants and salespeople.
5. When I have done something important or valuable, I make sure that others find out.
6. I am open and sincere about my feelings.
7. If someone has spread false and bad rumors about me, I will contact him or her as soon as possible to “talk” about it.
8. I have a hard time saying “No”.
9. Usually I keep my emotions in check rather than set the scene.
10. I complain about poor service at restaurants and other places.
11. When I get a compliment, sometimes I just do not know what to say.
12. If a couple sitting near me in a theater or at a lecture spoke a little too loudly, I would ask them to keep quiet or continue their conversation elsewhere.
13. If someone tried to shove in front of me in a queue, I would give him a real bass.
14. I do not hesitate to express my views.
15. Sometimes I do not know what to say.

The assessment of Rathus’ self-assertion test

In assessing this test, testers are aware that there are positive and negative answers. The score gives you a certain percentage value. This value is a measure of your level of assertion. Depending on your results, you may be judged to be non-assertive, moderately assertive, assertive or aggressive.

Based on this, a psychiatrist can explain what aspects you should work with, what tools you can use and how you can best use them to meet your personal needs.

In other words, self-assertion is something you can learn and that you can develop and improve. It’s about processing your insecurities and your social anxiety, so that you can set boundaries and relate to others with more self-confidence.