Rathus Assertiveness Schedule

The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) is a widely used clinical measure designed to assess the frequency and comfort with which adults engage in assertive…

Questions: 30
Duration: 10 min
Original title: RAS — Rathus Assertiveness Schedule
Adaptation: Rathus Assertiveness Schedule
Authors: Spencer A. Rathus
Created: 1973

The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) is a widely used clinical measure designed to assess the frequency and comfort with which adults engage in assertive behaviors across various social contexts. It captures an individual's readiness to voice opinions, refuse unreasonable requests, and defend their personal boundaries, offering a clear picture of their baseline interpersonal style. This measure is highly valuable for clinicians working with patients who struggle with passivity, social anxiety, or aggressive communication habits.

By implementing the RAS at intake and repeating it over the course of therapy, clinicians can effectively map the trajectory of behavioral change. It moves the evaluation of assertiveness from subjective self-reports to a standardized metric, highlighting both domains of strength and specific areas of interpersonal avoidance. As a robust and validated measure, the RAS provides an objective foundation for structuring therapeutic interventions and tracking meaningful progress in assertiveness training and communication skill-building.

Example result

Fictitious result, computed from a sample set of answers.

Overall score

0/ 90

A 30-item self-report questionnaire assessing the degree of assertiveness in various everyday social situations: the ability to express one's opinions, needs, and emotions, stand up for one's rights, say no, and initiate interactions, while respecting others. Particularly used in the assessment and monitoring of patients with social phobia or assertiveness difficulties, it is sensitive to therapeutic change and differentiates passive individuals from assertive individuals.

généralemixed · community sample · French control subjects (students and hospital employees, Lyon) — standard deviation not published · France · n = 55 · 1986 · Bouvard et al. (1986)

-9090

M = 15.6

cliniquemixed · pathology: SOCIAL_PHOBIA · French social phobia patients — standard deviation not published · France · n = 34 · 1986 · Bouvard et al. (1986)

-9090

M = -25.41

cliniquemixed · pathology: OCD · French obsessive-compulsive patients — standard deviation not published · France · n = 45 · 1986 · Bouvard et al. (1986)

-9090

M = -5.87

cliniquemixed · pathology: AGORAPHOBIA · French agoraphobic patients — standard deviation not published · France · n = 46 · 1986 · Bouvard et al. (1986)

-9090

M = -0.71

Scoring

Algebraic sum of items (with reverse-scoring of marked items), total score from -90 to 90, each item scored on a 6-point scale (from -3 to 3).

Percentile rank — American students (Nevid & Rathus, 1978)

Women (students, 35 campuses, United States)raw 0n = 764P25–P50

-48

P10

-24

P25

-8

P50

P75

P90

P99

Men (students, 35 campuses, United States)raw 0n = 637P25–P50

-41

P10

-15

P25

-3

P50

P75

P90

P99

-9090

Benchmarks transcribed from the published table (percentiles differ by sex: for the same score, the rank for a man and a woman is not the same). The displayed rank is a range between two published benchmarks, never an interpolation. American student population from the 1970s — historical benchmark, not a clinical norm.

Nevid et al. (1978)View the study ↗

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What the test measures

The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule evaluates the behavioral and emotional components of assertive communication across everyday social and professional situations. Rather than focusing on a single relational domain, it assesses how readily the individual can advocate for themselves when faced with potential conflict or interpersonal pressure.

Refusing requests: the ability to decline unreasonable demands or say no to others without experiencing overwhelming guilt or anxiety.
Expressing opinions: the readiness to share personal viewpoints, even when they contradict those of an authority figure or the majority.
Defending rights: the capacity to address poor service, assert consumer rights, or confront someone who is taking advantage of the situation.
Initiating interactions: the comfort level in starting conversations, reaching out to new acquaintances, or making inquiries to institutions.
Emotional regulation: the ability to express feelings openly and directly rather than bottling them up or resorting to a passive-aggressive communication style.

The RAS is highly relevant for adult populations navigating relational difficulties, chronic compliance, or persistent difficulties with healthy boundary setting.

When and why to use it

Clinicians typically administer the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule when a patient presents with recurrent interpersonal difficulties, a tendency toward passive compliance, or sudden outbursts of frustration linked to unexpressed needs. It is particularly useful for establishing a structured baseline before beginning targeted assertive communication interventions.

Intake baseline: provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's interpersonal functioning and highlights specific domains where avoidance is most pronounced.
Monitoring change: allows clinicians to track behavioral shifts over time, particularly when running an assertiveness behavioral experiment or practicing new skills in session.
Treatment planning: helps isolate whether the patient's difficulty lies primarily in expressing disagreement, initiating contact, or defending personal assertive rights.
Differential support: assists in distinguishing between a pervasive lack of social skills and situation-specific anxieties, such as fear of conflict with authority figures.

A validated score on the RAS adds critical precision to clinical impressions, replacing vague descriptions of passivity with a clear, measurable profile of the patient's interpersonal behavior.

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The questions

Indicate how characteristic or descriptive each of the following statements is of your behavior. Use the scale below and assign a score to each statement: from +3 (very characteristic of me) to -3 (very uncharacteristic of me).
1. Most people seem to be more aggressive and assertive than I am.
Evaluates the patient's comparative perception of their own assertiveness relative to others.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
2. I have hesitated to make or accept dates because of shyness.
Assesses social inhibition and fear of rejection in romantic or intimate contexts.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
3. When the food at a restaurant is not satisfactory, I complain about it to the waiter or waitress.
Measures the willingness to address poor service in a commonplace consumer situation.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
4. I am careful to avoid hurting other people's feelings, even when I feel I have been hurt.
Probes the tendency to prioritize others' emotional comfort over one's own valid grievances.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
5. If a salesperson has gone to considerable trouble to show me merchandise that isn't quite right, I have a difficult time saying no.
Examines the susceptibility to social pressure and guilt when declining an offer.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
6. When I am asked to do something, I insist upon knowing why.
Highlights the readiness to question authority or seek justification before complying with requests.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
7. There are times when I look for a good, vigorous argument.
Explores the patient's comfort level with and potential desire for intellectual or verbal conflict.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
8. I strive to get ahead as well as most people in my profession.
Assesses the presence of competitive drive and ambition in professional or personal spheres.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
9. To be honest, people often take advantage of me.
Captures a pervasive sense of being exploited or unable to establish boundaries with others.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
10. I enjoy starting conversations with new acquaintances and strangers.
Measures social initiative and comfort in novel interpersonal encounters.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
11. I often don't know what to say to attractive people of the opposite sex.
Probes verbal inhibition and performance anxiety when interacting with individuals perceived as attractive.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
12. I would hesitate to make a telephone call to a large business or institution.
Assesses anticipatory anxiety and avoidance related to formal or administrative interactions.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
13. I would prefer to apply for a job by writing a letter rather than through a personal interview.
Highlights the preference for distanced communication over direct, face-to-face evaluation.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
14. I find it embarrassing to return merchandise.
Examines the fear of social friction and judgment when asserting consumer rights.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
15. If a close and respected relative is annoying me, I will hide my feelings rather than express my annoyance.
Evaluates the tendency to suppress frustration when dealing with respected family figures.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
16. I have avoided asking questions for fear of sounding stupid.
Probes the impact of social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation on learning or clarifying information.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
17. During a heated discussion, I am often afraid that I will get so upset that I will tremble all over.
Assesses the physiological arousal and distress experienced during interpersonal conflict.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
18. If a well-known and respected lecturer says something I think is incorrect, I would like the audience to hear my point of view as well.
Measures the confidence to publicly challenge an authority figure based on personal convictions.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
19. I avoid haggling over prices with clerks and salespeople.
Explores the avoidance of negotiation or conflict in transactional settings.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
20. When I have done something important or worthwhile, I make a point of letting others know about it.
Highlights the comfort level with self-promotion and claiming recognition for personal achievements.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
21. I am open and frank about my feelings.
Assesses the self-perceived ability to communicate emotional states directly and transparently.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
22. If someone has spread false and tasteless stories about me, I see them as soon as possible for an explanation.
Measures the readiness to confront interpersonal aggression or reputational harm directly.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
23. I often have a hard time saying 'no'.
Captures the generalized difficulty in refusing requests or setting limits with others.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
24. I tend to bottle up my emotions rather than make a scene.
Evaluates the preference for emotional suppression over potential public disruption or conflict.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
25. I complain about poor service in a restaurant or elsewhere.
Probes the consistency of asserting expectations across various service environments.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
26. When I am given a compliment, I often don't know what to say.
Examines social awkwardness or inhibition when receiving positive feedback from others.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
27. In a movie, theater, or at a lecture, if a couple near me is talking loudly, I ask them to be quiet or to go somewhere else.
Assesses the willingness to address a public nuisance and assert a shared boundary.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
28. Anyone who tries to cut in front of me in line is in for a confrontation.
Highlights the reactivity and readiness to defend against direct territorial or procedural violations.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
29. I am quick to express my opinions.
Measures the spontaneity and lack of hesitation in sharing personal viewpoints.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me
30. There are times when I don't know what to say.
Captures moments of complete verbal shutdown or overwhelming social paralysis.
- Very characteristic of me
- Rather characteristic of me
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Somewhat uncharacteristic of me
- Rather uncharacteristic of me
- Very uncharacteristic of me