A number of theorists with commitments to the women's movement have stated that the traditional sex-role for women results in low self-esteem. The remedy which they advocate is for women to enter into the male-dominated workforce, and by successfully asserting themselves gain power, prestige, wealth, and an increase in self-esteem. Other theorists have stated that assertiveness training can help women to both increase in assertiveness and in self-esteem. Empirical studies, however, have been inconclusive as to whether assertiveness and self-esteem are positively correlated. The present study examines self-esteem and assertiveness in a sample of Mormon women, a group which advocates the traditional sex-role, to see if their level of assertiveness, their level of self-esteem, and the correlation between the two variables for them would be any different than for the non-Mormon women living in their area. Samples for both groups in the Roanoke, Virginia area were selected and surveyed by mail using the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The first hypothesis that the Mormon sample would be significantly less assertive than the non-Mormon women was not supported, although for all but the working mothers the Mormons were slightly less assertive. The second hypothesis that there would be no significant difference in self-esteem for the two groups was supported. In fact, the Mormons scored slightly higher than the non-Mormons in self-esteem. The third hypothesis that the correlation of the means of the two variables would be significantly less for the Mormon sample was supported at the .05 level; however, for both groups the correlation between assertiveness and self-esteem was very high, reaching a significance level of .0001. The results of this study lend support to the theorists and researchers who contend that assertiveness and self-esteem are positively correlated. They also lend support to the Mormons who claim that the traditional sex-role is not detrimental to self-esteem, and that a woman can be successful in that role and have adequate selfesteem without being highly assertive. The finding that there is a very high correlation even for the Mormon women between self-esteem and assertiveness was interpreted to mean that the traditional sex-role too requires a number of the social skills which comprise assertiveness, and that the Mormons may be teaching their women some of these skills when they socialize them to be successful in the traditional role. The results of this study also lend support to the symbolic interactional theoretical framework that self-esteem comes not from the role in which one chooses to perform or even from the success one has in fulfilling that role, but, rather, from one's perception of the value of the role and one's perception of one's success in fulfilling the role. / M.S.

This study utilized a pre-, post-, follow-up design for comparison between treatment and control groups to determine the impact of differential treatments upon assertive behavior and locus of control in adult women. The treatments were designed to separate the following assertion training procedures: assertion training, rational-emotive techniques, and rational-emotive techniques paired with assertion training. A one-way ANOVA performed at pre-test time showed no significant differences between groups prior to treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA were computed for all times of testing across all treatments. Significant (p<.05) movement towards an internal locus of control, as measured by the Rotter Internal-External Scale, was found for the assertion/rational-emotive group and the assertion group across pre- to post-test time. No significance was found for the treatment or time/treatment interaction effects with the Rotter. No significance was found for increases in reported assertive behavior, as measured by the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, across all times and treatments. Significance (p<.05) was found for observed assertive behavior, as measured by the Behavioral Observation Checklist, for the assertion and assertion/rational-emotive group for time/treatment interaction. The Behavioral Observation Checklist was an instrument developed by ~he researcher of this study. Spearman-Brown split-half reliability testing demonstrated the Checklist to be a reliable instrument. Inter-rater reliability was also demonstrated. / Doctor of Education

Although the overall quantity of international research has increased, existent studies tend to adopt an instrument developed in one culture to use in the other, leading to measurement bias. In addition, previous cross-cultural research mainly focuses on comparisons between collectivist and individualistic backgrounds (e.g., American vs. Chinese) without considering the similarities and differences within the collectivist societies (e.g., China vs. Mexico). This dissertation project has two purposes, with Study 1 aiming to examine measurement equivalence of two widely used instruments while Study 2 investigating if an attachment-based two-serial mediation model remained constant among three cross-cultural samples collected from the US, Mexico, and China. A total of 1211 participants, including 360 American university students, 441 Mexican students, and 410 Chinese students participated in the study. Differential item functioning (DIF) in lordif package in R and structural equation modeling (SEM) in Mplus 8.1 were adopted for Study 1 and 2, respectively. The results of Study 1 indicated the proposed instruments were culturally invariant in English, Spanish, and Chinese with some modifications. Study 2 showed that assertiveness/self-conscious emotions mediated the association between adult attachment and depression/aggression only in the US group. However, the two-serial mediation model in which the link between adult attachment and depression/aggression via assertiveness to self-conscious emotions was supported in Mexican and Chinese groups, not in the US group. Findings from these two cross-cultural adult attachment studies provide additional insights for future attachment research and useful implications for psychologists working with diverse individuals from the US, Mexico, and China.

The research dealt with the implementation of Gestalt play therapy for the treatment of the sexually abused primary school child who experiences problems to maintain himself. The need for research on the theme originated from the researcher's experience with sexually abused primary school children. The aim of the research was to render therapeutic support to the primary school child through Gestalt play therapy, in order to explore the influence of such support on the child's maintaining behaviour. The applied research design was used for this purpose. For the purpose of the research, one sexually abused child who experienced problems to maintain himself was identified by means of purposeful sampling. During each Gestalt play therapy session the child was brought into contact with his senses. Conclusions as well as recommendations were formulated as a result of the research. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

Afrikaans text / Hierdie navorsing handel oar die verwantskap tussen prestasiemotivering en interpersoonlike style. Die konsepte wat in die navorsing beskryf word, is prestasiemotivering (vanuit 'n humanistiese raamwerk} en selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid (vanuit 'n behavioristiese raamwerk). Die gekose meetinstrumenter naamlik, die Bestuursmotiefvraelys vir prestasiemotivering en die lnterpersoonlike Verhoudingsvraelys vir interpersoonlike style, is op 'n steekproef van 155 middelvlakbestuurders wat die senior takseersentrum binne 'n semi-staatsdiens organisasie deurloop het, afgeneem. Die resultate is verwerk deur middel van korrelasie en regressie (enkelvoudig en meervoudig) tegnieke. Die korrelasie.:.analise het getoon dat daar 'n statisties betekenisvolle korrelasie bestaan tussen prestasiemotivering en selfgelding. Die enkelvoudige regressie-analise het getoon dat selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n invloed op prestasiemotivering uitoefen. Die korrelasie- en regressie-analise dui daarop dat responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n negatiewe invloed uitoefen op prestasiemotivering. 'n Moontlike voorspellingsmodel vir prestasiemotivering is nie ontwikkel nie, aangesien die integriteit van die resultate betwyfelword. / Hierdie navorsing handel oar die verwantskap tussen prestasiemotivering en interpersoonlike style. Die konsepte wat in die navorsing beskryf word, is prestasiemotivering (vanuit 'n humanistiese raamwerk} en selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid (vanuit 'n behavioristiese raamwerk). Die gekose meetinstrumenter naamlik, die Bestuursmotiefvraelys vir prestasiemotivering en die lnterpersoonlike Verhoudingsvraelys vir interpersoonlike style, is op 'n steekproef van 155 middelvlakbestuurders wat die senior takseersentrum binne 'n semi-staatsdiens organisasie deurloop het, afgeneem. Die resultate is verwerk deur middel van korrelasie en regressie (enkelvoudig en meervoudig) tegnieke. Die korrelasie.:.analise het getoon dat daar 'n statisties betekenisvolle korrelasie bestaan tussen prestasiemotivering en selfgelding. Die enkelvoudige regressie-analise het getoon dat selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n invloed op prestasiemotivering uitoefen. Die korrelasie- en regressie-analise dui daarop dat responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n negatiewe invloed uitoefen op prestasiemotivering. 'n Moontlike voorspellingsmodel vir prestasiemotivering is nie ontwikkel nie, aangesien die integriteit van die resultate betwyfelword. / This research deals with the relationship between achievement motivation and interpersonal styles. The concepts achievement motivation (from a humanistic point of view} and assertiveness, responsiveness and versatility {from a behavioristic point of view), have been described in this research. The chosen measuring instruments, namely the Management Motive questionnaire for achievement motivation and the Interpersonal Relations questionnaire for interpersonal styles, were administered by means of sampling a group of 155 from middle management who participated in the senior assessment centre in a semi-government organisation. The results were processed by using correlation and regression (simple and multiple) techniques. The correlation analysis showed significant statistical correlation between achievement motivation and assertiveness. The single regression analysis indicated that assertiveness, responsiveness and versatility have an influence on achievement motivation. The correlation and regression analysis showed that responsiveness and versatility impact negatively on achievement · motivation. The possible prediction model for achievement motivation has not been developed due to the integrity of the results being doubtful!. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MCOM (Bedryfsielkunde)

The research dealt with the implementation of Gestalt play therapy for the treatment of the sexually abused primary school child who experiences problems to maintain himself. The need for research on the theme originated from the researcher's experience with sexually abused primary school children. The aim of the research was to render therapeutic support to the primary school child through Gestalt play therapy, in order to explore the influence of such support on the child's maintaining behaviour. The applied research design was used for this purpose. For the purpose of the research, one sexually abused child who experienced problems to maintain himself was identified by means of purposeful sampling. During each Gestalt play therapy session the child was brought into contact with his senses. Conclusions as well as recommendations were formulated as a result of the research. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

Afrikaans text / Hierdie navorsing handel oar die verwantskap tussen prestasiemotivering en interpersoonlike style. Die konsepte wat in die navorsing beskryf word, is prestasiemotivering (vanuit 'n humanistiese raamwerk} en selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid (vanuit 'n behavioristiese raamwerk). Die gekose meetinstrumenter naamlik, die Bestuursmotiefvraelys vir prestasiemotivering en die lnterpersoonlike Verhoudingsvraelys vir interpersoonlike style, is op 'n steekproef van 155 middelvlakbestuurders wat die senior takseersentrum binne 'n semi-staatsdiens organisasie deurloop het, afgeneem. Die resultate is verwerk deur middel van korrelasie en regressie (enkelvoudig en meervoudig) tegnieke. Die korrelasie.:.analise het getoon dat daar 'n statisties betekenisvolle korrelasie bestaan tussen prestasiemotivering en selfgelding. Die enkelvoudige regressie-analise het getoon dat selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n invloed op prestasiemotivering uitoefen. Die korrelasie- en regressie-analise dui daarop dat responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n negatiewe invloed uitoefen op prestasiemotivering. 'n Moontlike voorspellingsmodel vir prestasiemotivering is nie ontwikkel nie, aangesien die integriteit van die resultate betwyfelword. / Hierdie navorsing handel oar die verwantskap tussen prestasiemotivering en interpersoonlike style. Die konsepte wat in die navorsing beskryf word, is prestasiemotivering (vanuit 'n humanistiese raamwerk} en selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid (vanuit 'n behavioristiese raamwerk). Die gekose meetinstrumenter naamlik, die Bestuursmotiefvraelys vir prestasiemotivering en die lnterpersoonlike Verhoudingsvraelys vir interpersoonlike style, is op 'n steekproef van 155 middelvlakbestuurders wat die senior takseersentrum binne 'n semi-staatsdiens organisasie deurloop het, afgeneem. Die resultate is verwerk deur middel van korrelasie en regressie (enkelvoudig en meervoudig) tegnieke. Die korrelasie.:.analise het getoon dat daar 'n statisties betekenisvolle korrelasie bestaan tussen prestasiemotivering en selfgelding. Die enkelvoudige regressie-analise het getoon dat selfgelding, responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n invloed op prestasiemotivering uitoefen. Die korrelasie- en regressie-analise dui daarop dat responsiwiteit en aanpasbaarheid 'n negatiewe invloed uitoefen op prestasiemotivering. 'n Moontlike voorspellingsmodel vir prestasiemotivering is nie ontwikkel nie, aangesien die integriteit van die resultate betwyfelword. / This research deals with the relationship between achievement motivation and interpersonal styles. The concepts achievement motivation (from a humanistic point of view} and assertiveness, responsiveness and versatility {from a behavioristic point of view), have been described in this research. The chosen measuring instruments, namely the Management Motive questionnaire for achievement motivation and the Interpersonal Relations questionnaire for interpersonal styles, were administered by means of sampling a group of 155 from middle management who participated in the senior assessment centre in a semi-government organisation. The results were processed by using correlation and regression (simple and multiple) techniques. The correlation analysis showed significant statistical correlation between achievement motivation and assertiveness. The single regression analysis indicated that assertiveness, responsiveness and versatility have an influence on achievement motivation. The correlation and regression analysis showed that responsiveness and versatility impact negatively on achievement · motivation. The possible prediction model for achievement motivation has not been developed due to the integrity of the results being doubtful!. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MCOM (Bedryfsielkunde)

Behavioral and cognitive skills training for increasing assertive behavior in college students were compared to an equally credible expectancy-control. One significant multivariate function successfully discriminated between the behavioral and control groups, and between the cognitive and control groups. This function was interpreted as showing enhanced behavioral/cognitive construction competencies in the behavioral and cognitive groups. A second function, though not significant, suggested that the cognitive training resulted in more aggressive behavior.

This diploma thesis engage in the manipulation aimed at primary school children, especially manipulation of commercial and its effect on the child recipient. The theoretical part of thesis defines terms manipulation, media and advertisement, as well as media education in the current curriculum, in the general educational program and in the textbooks for 1st primary schools. The empirical part of thesis is divided into the methodical unit and experimental unit. The methodical unit describes the implemented project for advertisement and defense against media manipulation. Observations took place during the project, the results of this observation are described in the experimental unit. It is included questionnaire survey and its analysis. The last part of this thesis is concept of methodics, which outlines strategies to help prevent the possible manipulation.

The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the initial screening process that occurs during dating interactions, and to measure the perceptions of different communication styles that individuals use during such interactions. A review of current literature focused on attractiveness of potential mates, ambivalent sexism theory, gender stereotypes, and communication theory. The present study examined how individuals view others’ approaches in initial dating interactions, and which of these approaches are most effective for increasing the target’s interest in spending time with the pursuer. A pilot study involving 45 undergraduate psychology students from Western Kentucky University was conducted to evaluate the validity of the Dating Initiation Questionnaire (DIQ), which was created for this study. In the final study, one hundred and fifty two undergraduate psychology students from Western Kentucky University completed measures of sexism, social desirability, and dating initiation preference. Results showed that both communication theory and ambivalent sexism theory were relevant in dating initiations. Consistent with previous communication research, assertive communication was rated as more effective than aggressive and passive communication in the initial interactions that occur in heterosexual dating initiations. This suggests it is best to use assertive communication as a first choice in dating interactions. Further analyses showed that females were more likely to rate assertive and passive initiations as more effective than aggressive dating initiations, while males were more likely than females to rate aggressive initiations as more effective than passive initiations, and to rate aggressive initiations as more effective than assertive initiations. Stronger ambivalent sexist beliefs were associated with higher ratings for aggressive dating initiations. Therefore, individuals who held negative attitudes toward non-traditional women and positive attitudes toward gender stereotypical women preferred aggressive dating initiations. Such individuals may approach others in an aggressive manner. One could argue that, to prevent such harassment, individuals should be educated about communication styles and gender equality. Future research should focus on applying such interventions to males and females, and on revising the intervention to suit individuals with sexist beliefs toward women and men.