The Assertiveness Continuum of Behavior
*| Non-assertive Behavior |
Assertive Behavior |
Aggressive Behavior |
|
As Actor |
As Actor |
As Actor |
|
Self-denying |
Self-enhancing |
Self-enhancing at expense of others |
|
Inhibited |
Expressive |
Over-expressive |
|
Does not achieve desired goal(s) |
May achieve desired goal(s) |
Achieves desired goal(s) at expense of others |
|
Others choose |
Chooses for self |
Chooses for other |
|
Uncertain, anxious, depreciates self |
Confident, feels good about self |
Depreciates other |
|
As Receiver |
As Receiver |
As Receiver |
|
Impatient, guilty, or angry |
Knows where one stands |
Feels put down, depreciated |
|
No respect for actor |
Respects actor |
Hurt, defensive, humiliated |
|
Achieves desired goal(s) at actor's expense |
May achieve desired goal(s) |
Does not achieve desired goal(s) |
Adapted from R.E. Alberti and M.L. Emmons, Your Perfect Right: A Guide to Assertive Behavior, Second Edition. Copyright 1974, Impact Publishers, Inc., San Luis Obispo, Ca. Used by permission of the authors and publishers.