Three-mode factor analysis of self-reported difficulty in assertiveness

Self‐reported difficulties, in terms of assertive response classes and referent individuals, were analysed across university student and hospital worker female samples. A modified three‐mode common factor analysis model was used to provide information on generalizable (or “idealized”) individual differences, assertive behaviours, and referents, plus an interactional core bounded by these idealized dimensions. Similar two‐dimensional structures were noted for assertive response classes and referents in both samples. The two response class factors were labelled positive and negative assertiveness; the two referent factors were labelled close and distant referents. Sizable variations in individual differences patterns and different interactional core solutions somewhat nullified the precision and utility of these nomothetic behavioural and referent categories. It was concluded that the Difficulty in Assertiveness Inventory (DAI) and, by implication, other self‐report inventories can be used for wideband individual or group assessments, but would probably not be appropriate for individualized therapeutic programme evaluations.