The degree of assertiveness of 35 psychotics was evaluated compared to 35 subjects of a non-clinical group, in terms of 5-point Likert rating scales, in situations of making and receiving criticism. Two trained judges observed and rated the subject's behavior in four role-play videotaped situations. Types of situations and gender of partners were varied. The results showed that patients had a significant deficit in global, verbal and non-verbal ratings of assertiveness, compared to the non-clinical group. Both groups had significant better global and verbal ratings in situations where they were required to critize their partners, compared to situations were they were criticized. Non-clinical group was more assertive with male partners, but patients did not varied their assertiveness with variation in partners'gender. Verbal behavior contributed more than non-verbal behavior to the global impression of assertivenees. Global ratings had significant correlations with specific behavior components measured by independent observers.
Assertiveness; rating scales; psychotics; role-play; social integration
