Anxiety
Assertion Inventory
Assertion Inventory
This directive is designed for clients who report general difficulty with self-advocacy or boundary-setting but are unable to specify the contexts. It provides a structured method for an individual to assess their default communication style across a range of common interpersonal scenarios. The inventory brings clarity to otherwise vague feelings of being unheard or consistently deferring to others, establishing a concrete starting point for clinical work.
The tool functions by isolating distinct social and professional situations where communication patterns are tested. This allows both the practitioner and client to pinpoint specific areas of passivity or avoidance, rather than addressing the issue abstractly. The resulting profile creates a clear guide for targeting interventions and practicing new behaviors in the exact situations where the client feels most challenged.
Assertion Inventory
When expressing your opinion ☐ I avoid sharing my thoughts or preferences. ☐ I speak up only when explicitly asked. ☐ I state my opinion freely.
When asked to do something you do not want to do ☐ I agree even if I don’t want to. ☐ I can say “no” when necessary, but it is difficult. ☐ I say “no” clearly and without excessive justification.
In a group conversation ☐ I stay quiet and avoid contributing. ☐ I speak up occasionally, but less than others. ☐ I actively participate and share my ideas.
When receiving criticism ☐ I become defensive or take it personally. ☐ I feel uncomfortable but try to consider the feedback. ☐ I listen for useful information and disregard the rest.
When you have a need or desire ☐ I prioritize others’ needs and keep quiet about my own. ☐ I express my needs only in certain situations or with certain people. ☐ I communicate my needs directly.
When you are interrupted or spoken over ☐ I let the other person take over the conversation. ☐ I become frustrated but say nothing. ☐ I regain my turn to speak.
When receiving a compliment ☐ I deflect or downplay the compliment. ☐ I feel awkward but accept it. ☐ I accept it directly.
When in a disagreement or conflict ☐ I avoid the conflict or concede to keep the peace. ☐ I state my view but am quick to compromise. ☐ I state my concerns clearly and work to resolve the issue.
When initiating social or professional contact ☐ I wait for others to contact me first. ☐ I occasionally make the first move, but prefer not to. ☐ I actively initiate contact when I see a reason to.
When presenting your ideas or work ☐ I am hesitant and show doubt in my own work. ☐ I present my ideas but with noticeable reservation. ☐ I present my ideas clearly and directly.
When apologizing ☐ I apologize frequently, even when not at fault. ☐ I sometimes apologize when it is not necessary. ☐ I apologize only when I believe I am at fault.
When expressing your emotions ☐ I keep my emotions to myself. ☐ I share some emotions but suppress others. ☐ I state my feelings directly when it is appropriate.
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