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THE FIVE FACTORS OF PERSONALITY AND INTERPERSONAL ...

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confederates, but more negative social and personal consequences than empathicassertive<br />

confederates. In contrast, empathic-assertive responses were rated the most<br />

favorably Empathic and unassertive confederates were rated as equally likeable, but<br />

empathic confederates were rated as more competent<br />

Further examination indicated that there were some group differences in<br />

perceptions of assertiveness More specifically, high assertive subjects rated empathicassertive<br />

and assertive confederates as more likable High assertive subjects also<br />

expected more positive consequences to empathic-assertion, and more negative<br />

consequences to nonassertion. Overall, empathic-assertive responses appear to temper<br />

the negative effects of assertiveness, which enhances poshive appraisals of the<br />

confederates. Zollo, Heimberg, and Becker (1985) concluded that self-assertiveness does<br />

influence perceptions of others' assertive behavior.<br />

Defichs in assertion skills have a negative impact on individual and relationship<br />

functioning. For example, Olinger, Shaw, and Kuiper (1987) examined the relationship<br />

between unassertiveness, dysfunctional attitudes (eg, excessive approval seeking), and<br />

depression in a group of 89 college students In this sample, depression and assertion<br />

defichs were posifively related. Individuals whh dysfijnctional attitudes were less<br />

assertive in interpersonal conflicts, even when depression was controlled Olinger et al<br />

(1987) suggested that nonassertive individuals often have an excessive need for approval<br />

from others that interferes whh relational dynamics. More specifically, such individuals<br />

are likely to experience discomfort when behaving assertively, and thus fail to adequately<br />

53

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