Analysis

The Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS) is designed to measure an individual’s ability to express their thoughts, feelings, and desires clearly and confidently while also respecting the rights and opinions of others. Assertiveness refers to the capacity to stand up for oneself and one’s rights in a positive and non-aggressive way.

Purpose

The primary aim of the RAS is to assess an individual’s level of assertiveness in various social interaction situations. The tool helps identify areas where the person may need support in developing more effective communication strategies and enhancing their ability to express themselves confidently.

Scoring

The RAS includes questions that assess expressiveness, rights-assertion, conflict management, and self-confidence. Participants respond using a Likert scale, typically ranging from 1 to 5 or 1 to 7. The overall score is calculated by summing the scores of the individual items. Higher scores indicate greater assertiveness.

References

Rathus, S. A. (1973). A 30-item schedule for assessing assertive behavior. Behavior Therapy, 4(3), 398–406.
Rathus, S. A. (1979). Assertiveness Training: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 47(4), 726–735.
Gordon, J. R. (2000). Assertiveness and Self-Esteem. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 30(12), 2686–2705.
Brabender, V. (2000). Assertiveness: Theory, Research, and Training. Psychology Press.