The Responsible Assertion Scale [TRAS-21]

Description

The Responsible Assertion Scale (TRAS-21 or RAS) is a 21-item self-report instrument developed by Williams and Akridge in 1996. It assesses an individual’s ability to express personal needs, opinions, and rights clearly while respecting the rights and feelings of others.

Responsible assertion differs from both passivity and aggression. It represents a balanced communication style in which confident self-expression is combined with social responsibility, cooperation, and respect.

Dimensions

The scale comprises two main dimensions:

  • Assertion: Assesses self-confidence, direct expression of thoughts and feelings, the ability to refuse unreasonable requests, initiative, and effective functioning in social situations.
  • Respect: Examines cooperation, consideration of other people’s needs, respect for their rights, and constructive interpersonal behavior.

These two dimensions provide a more comprehensive assessment of social behavior. A person may demonstrate confidence without sufficient respect for others or, conversely, show considerable respect while experiencing difficulty expressing personal needs.

Aim

The TRAS-21 aims to assess responsible and socially constructive assertiveness. It may be used:

  • In educational and counseling assessments.
  • In social and communication skills programmes.
  • In vocational evaluation and work-adjustment settings.
  • To evaluate assertiveness-training interventions.
  • In research concerning self-confidence, cooperation, and interpersonal relationships.

The scale is not a stand-alone clinical diagnostic instrument. Its results should be interpreted alongside other relevant assessment information.

Data Analysis and Use

Scores can be analysed separately for the Assertion and Respect subscales to produce a profile of responsible interpersonal behavior. An overall responsible assertion score may also be calculated when this is supported by the relevant research protocol.

Statistical analysis may include:

  • Means and standard deviations.
  • Internal-consistency assessment using Cronbach’s alpha or McDonald’s omega.
  • Exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis.
  • Correlations with self-esteem, social skills, and occupational adjustment.
  • Comparisons between groups or between measurements conducted before and after an intervention.

When the scale is administered in a different linguistic or cultural context, the adapted version’s linguistic equivalence and psychometric properties should be evaluated.

Scoring

Responses are recorded on a five-point frequency scale:

  1. Almost never
  2. Not often
  3. Sometimes
  4. Fairly often
  5. Very often

Of the 21 items, 20 contribute to the scores. Item 18 is an attention-check item and should be excluded from score calculation. The Assertion subscale comprises 13 scored items, while the Respect subscale comprises 7 items.

Higher scores indicate a stronger presence of the corresponding dimension. High scores on both Assertion and Respect reflect a more balanced and responsible assertive communication style.

No universally established diagnostic cut-off scores are available. Therefore, arbitrary classifications of “low,” “moderate,” or “high” assertiveness should be avoided unless appropriate normative data are available.

References

Williams, E. D. R., & Akridge, R. (1996). The Responsible Assertion Scale: Development and evaluation of psychometric qualities. Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Bulletin, 29(1), 19–23.

Hargie, O. (2011). Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice (5th ed.). Routledge.