Jeffrey S. Nevid

Concurrent validity of the 30-item assertiveness schedule with a psychiatric population

The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) was administered to 191 psychiatric patients, including neurotics, schizophrenics, and personality disorders. Concurrent validity of patients RAS scores was established by finding that they correlated highly (.80 for all diagnostic categories combined) with therapists ratings of patients assertiveness on semantic differential scales defining a general assertiveness factor. Diagnostic group comparisons showed that assertiveness was highest among patients diagnosed as manifesting personality disorders, particularly women. Therapists generally found their more assertive patients to be happier, more active, and more strong-willed, suggesting that assertion training may be a useful treatment modality for depression.