Communication
Questionnaire for Identifying Personal Communication Style Under Stress
This questionnaire reveals a client's default communication patterns (passive; aggressive;.
A client’s self-report of how they handle arguments can be unreliable, often clouded by frustration or shame. They might describe a conflict’s outcome but lack the vocabulary to identify their own specific role in the dynamic. Without a clear picture of their default communication pattern, it’s hard to target interventions effectively.
This questionnaire isolates the client’s typical responses under stress, clarifying whether their approach is predominantly passive, aggressive, or assertive. It moves the conversation from a general feeling of being “bad at arguing” to a specific, workable diagnosis. The client leaves with a neutral, non-judgmental label for their communication style.
Questionnaire for Identifying Personal Communication Style Under Stress
Recall a recent situation involving a disagreement or pressure. For each statement, mark the column that best describes how you acted in that situation. Answer based on your actual behavior, not how you wished you had behaved.
| Behavior During Conflict | Rarely | Sometimes | Often |
|---|---|---|---|
| I state my needs and wants clearly. | |||
| I raise my voice or speak over others. | |||
| I apologize even when it is not my fault. | |||
| I listen to the other person’s point of view. | |||
| I use phrases like “you always” or “you never.” | |||
| I keep my opinions to myself to avoid a confrontation. | |||
| I describe the problem without attacking the person. | |||
| I use sarcasm or make critical remarks. | |||
| I agree with others to be liked. | |||
| I can say “no” to a request without feeling guilty. | |||
| I interrupt the other person to make my point. | |||
| I feel responsible for how other people feel. | |||
| I use “I” statements, such as “I feel” or “I need.” | |||
| I try to win the argument at all costs. | |||
| I say “yes” when I want to say “no.” | |||
| I am able to propose a solution that works for both sides. | |||
| I blame the other person for the problem. | |||
| I use a soft or hesitant tone of voice. |
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