ARS - R2 (Assertiveness Rating Scale - 2nd Revision) Sample Report
Report for: Sample Reports
Completed on: Oct 23, 2024 at 02:59 PM (GMT -6)
Completed in: 13 min
How Sample asserts himself and in which situations are important things to consider when you look at his assertiveness score. Some people may find that they are very comfortable speaking their mind with friends or colleagues, but shy away when they have to deal with people in positions of authority. His scores will help you understand which areas may need improvement so that he can take that first confident step towards becoming more assertive.
Overall results 27
According to his results on the Assertiveness Test, Sample seems to lack many of the skills needed to effectively stand up for himself in day-to-day situations. In some situations, he is able to add his two-cents, but in general this does not come naturally to him. There may be a number of reasons he avoids expressing his opinions and needs. However, regardless of the causes of his low assertiveness, he should be encouraged by the fact that he can learn to be more assertive. There are, after all, a number of benefits to being self-assured that he doesn't want to miss out on: assertive people enjoy increased self-confidence, more respect from others, a stronger feeling of control over their lives and, of course, an increase in the possibility that their needs will be met.
A Dutch study found that assertive female employees held higher positions and had higher salaries than women who were "too nice."
Assertiveness is the ability to express opinions, thoughts, and wishes in a clear, direct way, even if there's the potential for rejection or disagreement. So what makes one person assertive and another cower in the corner at the mere thought of voicing their opinion? Like most personality traits, there is no easy answer - assertiveness is affected by a wide variety of factors and can even change throughout one's life. The way a person's parents and other role models taught him/her to stand up for himself/herself, the reactions received when he/she did, along with various biological factors and personality traits, all play a role. Regardless of the cause however, there is no doubt that assertiveness is a quality that can be taught and developed. Passive participants on life's stage can learn to go after what they want.
There is a delicate balance between constructive and aggressive assertiveness. While it's healthy and necessary to stand up for oneself, there is always the danger of coming across as hostile, demanding, or even manipulative. Unassertiveness can result in being a pushover but over-assertiveness may drive others away. The Assertiveness Test is a useful tool for evaluating the situations in which Sample is most comfortable asserting himself. Look into his scores in Ability to speak for self, Handling assertive/strong people, Comfort with vulnerability, and Subservience to see where his strengths and limitations are.
Overall results
27
Ability to speak for self
33
Handling assertive/strong people
26
Comfort with Vulnerability
16
Subservience
71
Aggression
7
Overall results
Ability to express opinions, thoughts, and wishes in a clear, direct way, even if there's the potential for rejection or disagreement.
27
According to his results on the Assertiveness Test, Sample seems to lack many of the skills needed to effectively stand up for himself in day-to-day situations. In some situations, he is able to add his two-cents, but in general this does not come naturally to him. There may be a number of reasons he avoids expressing his opinions and needs. However, regardless of the causes of his low assertiveness, he should be encouraged by the fact that he can learn to be more assertive. There are, after all, a number of benefits to being self-assured that he doesn't want to miss out on: assertive people enjoy increased self-confidence, more respect from others, a stronger feeling of control over their lives and, of course, an increase in the possibility that their needs will be met.
Ability to speak for self
Acting with confidence to voice a personal opinion.
33
Sample seldom addresses the issues that concern him the most. Whether it's a problem with others or seeking out what he feels he deserves, he usually waits for someone else to bring it up. When someone treats him poorly, he often hesitates to speak openly. Letting people know he disagrees with them is difficult since he generally lacks self-assurance. However, he needs to realize that if he acts like he deserves respect, others will probably treat him accordingly.
Handling assertive/strong people
Ability to stand up to those who might be intimidating.
26
According to his results, Sample has difficulty dealing with authority figures in an assertive way. He usually feels intimidated and threatened by people who have strong opinions and is often overcome with feelings of inferiority, which keeps him from effectively expressing his views. Perhaps he feels inferior or doesn't feel as though his opinion is as important as those of others. Thus, once he experiences these feelings of inadequacy, he finds it hard to work up the courage needed to deal with individuals who are assertive. Sample should keep in mind that he has something worthwhile to contribute too.
Comfort with Vulnerability
Ability to take action despite the risk of rejection or embarrassment.
16
Sample's answers show that he dreads being vulnerable. He typically avoids getting into any situation where he is "exposed". He prefers bottling things up because he is very afraid of making a fool of himself. This could stem from an inability to cope with rejection or embarrassment, and it might begin to affect him to the point where he will avoid taking such risks altogether. Unfortunately, there will be work situations where he will need to put himself out there, like voicing his opinion in a meeting, so if he doesn't step out of his comfort zone from time to time, he may find himself at a loss.
Subservience
Allowing the needs of others to take precedence over personal desires.
71
When he feels that what he wants may be in conflict with the desires of others around him, Sample generally allows their needs to dictate his behavior. He may end up feeling like he is the victim in a situation because he lets others treat him like a doormat. This could sometimes result in taking the blame for things he is not responsible for. However, if he keeps in mind that his opinion is just as valuable as anyone else's, he will soon find it easy to add in his view when asked.
Aggression
Using aggressive tactics, such as intimidation, physical force or manipulation to get one's way.
7
The results of this test show that Sample does not use aggressive tactics, like intimidation or swearing, to get his point across. Some would say that there is a fine line between assertiveness and aggression, but there are definite differences. Assertiveness is the ability to express opinions, thoughts, and wishes in a clear, direct way, even if there's the potential for rejection or disagreement. Aggression is unnecessarily forceful, hostile, demanding, or even manipulative. Aggression shows disrespect for other people, since it does not allow them to assert their own rights. Clearly, Sample stays far from aggressive behavior.
The following is a summarized version of Sample's results, categorized as Strengths, Potential Strengths, and Limitations.
Strengths
- He is not aggressive when he asserts himself
Potential Strengths
- He generally feels that his own desires are as important as those of others
Limitations
- He is not very assertive
- He rarely takes the initiative to speak up on his own behalf
- He has difficulty being assertive when dealing with people who are opinionated
- He tends to avoid being in a vulnerable position
"The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well being of others." - Sharon Anthony Bower
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