Understanding facilitators for assertiveness among college students in India – a qualitative study

Assertiveness is the ability to be honest with one’s beliefs and interests while not denying the rights of others and includes behaviours like sharing one’s opinions, questioning ideas, being able to refuse request of others and firmly expressing one’s emotions without manipulation. Majority of Indians fall behind in being assertive due to various cultural factors and schemas they hold towards self and others. Since assertiveness impacts both the professional and social aspects of young adults, it is important to cultivate this behavior to take on the challenges faced. This study aimed to understand the factors which led to the development of assertive behaviour in college students despite the obstacles possessed. A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 college students from different parts of India who scored high on the Rathus Assertiveness Scale. The major themes which emerged were - facilitators for assertiveness, benefits of being assertive, obstacles to assertiveness, ways of performing assertive behaviour, and sex-based differences in assertiveness in the responses received and manner of being assertive. These findings can be implemented in assertiveness and communication skills training.