Adaptive and Aggressive Assertiveness Scales (AAA-S)

Diminished assertiveness has been associated with neuroticism, depression, and anxiety. Although many assertiveness instruments
have been developed for research and clinical purposes, one common shortcoming is a lack of discriminant validity with regard
to aggression. Further, the wording of many instruments is outdated and discriminatory. The goal of the present research was
to develop a more sensitive instrument measuring two distinguishable forms of assertiveness: adaptive assertiveness and aggressive
assertiveness. We present data validating such a measure, the Adaptive and Aggressive Assertiveness Scales (AAA-S). Participants
included two samples of college students and a clinical sample of adults with anxiety disorders. The AAA-S demonstrated good
internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The aggressive assertiveness scale was associated with various forms of
aggression and peer reports of aggressive assertiveness. The adaptive assertiveness scale was associated with competence and
peer reports of adaptive assertiveness. Importantly, there were no gender differences in adaptive assertiveness. Clinical
implications are discussed.