Rathus’ Assertiveness Test
The Rathus Assertiveness Test grew out of a need identified in the 1960s. Assertiveness, as a social and communication skill, is indeed essential to our mental well-being. Knowing how to correctly express your thoughts and needs or even defend your rights allows you to optimize your relationships with others. In turn, this literally fuels our self-esteem.
First of all, assertiveness is not an innate quality. Indeed, it develops in the individual. Thus, it is interesting to know that assertiveness training is one of the first techniques developed by behavioral therapists in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The need to propose guidelines and strategies in this area became obvious to the experts. They knew that when human beings communicate effectively and behave assertively, aggressive behavior is reduced.
In addition, such behavior promotes respect, identity, values and self-confidence. However, poor assertiveness often leads to a great deal of suffering.
This instrument, developed by Dr Spencer A. Rathus in 1973, remains as useful as it is interesting today. Thanks to it, it is possible to measure our aptitude in the field of assertiveness. So let’s take a closer look at this test now.
The Rathus Assertiveness Test
The Rathus Assertiveness Test was developed over 40 years ago. However, it is still so timely and reliable to provide us with information about a person in this area.
It should be noted, however, that during this period it was updated (Thompson and Berenbaum, 2011) and that today it also remains interesting for an aspect that Dr Spencer Rathus himself pointed out at the time. .
There are people who perceive themselves to be very confident, when in reality their behavior and communication style is marked by aggression. This instrument therefore also allows us to know if the subject has precisely an aggressive profile. On the other hand, the Rathus Affirmation Test was designed to serve as a training scale.
What does the Rathus test measure?
The test provides us with information on the following:
- Level of assertiveness of a person
- Extent to which the person tends to defend their rights, ideas and needs
- Passive or aggressive character of a person
- Areas that the person needs to work on. Some people, for example, have low self-confidence due to their social anxiety. This serves as a basis for the person to improve some of their weak points.
What is the Rathus Assertiveness Test?
The Rathus scale consists of 30 points (questions) each with 6 answer options. The possible response range goes, for example, from “very characteristic for me” to “not characteristic at all”. This test gives us a final score as well as a percentage.
The questions are:
- 1. Most of the people around me seem to be more aggressive than me and assertive more than me.
- 2. I have been reluctant to make or accept appointments in the past because of my shyness.
- 3. When I don’t like the food served in a restaurant, I complain to the waiter or waitress.
- 4. I am careful not to hurt others. And this, even though I feel they hurt me.
- 5. If a salesperson has gone to great lengths to show me clothes or items that I don’t like, it’s hard for me to say no.
- 6. When I am asked to do something, I insist on knowing why.
- 7. I almost always try to make a strong, compelling case when I have a conversation with someone.
- 8. I try to fend for myself, without drawing too much attention to myself.
- 9. To be honest, I think people take advantage of me a lot.
- 10. I like to strike up a conversation with strangers.
- 11. Often times, I don’t know what to say to people I like.
- 12. I hesitate to make phone calls to businesses and administrations.
- 13. I prefer to apply for a job or a course by writing an email rather than going through an in-person interview.
- 14. I find it embarrassing to bring back something that I bought beforehand.
- 15. If a close relative bothers me, I shut up and hide my feelings.
- 16. I have avoided asking questions for fear of sounding stupid.
- 17. I don’t like arguments because they block me.
- 18. If a reputable teacher makes a statement that I think is incorrect, I correct it in public to make my point.
- 19. I avoid discussing my salary during job interviews.
- 20. When I have done something important or worthwhile, I succeed in letting others know it.
- 21. I am open and honest about my feelings.
- 22. If anyone has been spreading false and bad stories about me, I seek to meet with them as soon as possible to tell them about it.
- 23. I often find it difficult to say no.
- 24. I tend to always stifle my emotions.
- 25. I never hesitate to complain about poor service in bars or restaurants.
- 26. When I get a compliment, I don’t know what to say.
- 27. If a couple near me in the theater or at a conference speak out loud, I ask them to be quiet or to have their conversation elsewhere.
- 28. Anyone who tries to be better than me in any area should be prepared to face me.
- 29. I am always ready to express an opinion.
- 30. There are times when I just feel unable to say anything.
Rathus test assessment
To evaluate this test, some answers are associated with a positive score while others are associated with a negative score. Once all the answers have been added up, the rater gets a percentage. This number corresponds to that of a person who asserts himself or not. But also to a moderately assertive or even aggressive person.
First, the psychologist explains to his patient what areas he should work on. For this, he will then give him tools and guidelines according to his specific needs.
Finally, it should be noted that assertiveness is a matter of practice. It’s also about managing our insecurity and social anxiety in order to set boundaries and relate to others in a safer and more decisive way.
Our thoughts The Hamilton Anxiety Scale, while not diagnostic, measures the degree of anxiety in each person.
