An Investigation of Assertiveness in University Students: Comparison of Students of the United States, China, Thailand, and Japan

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  • 日本人大学生と海外大学生のアサーション度に関する調査研究―日・米・中・泰の4カ国比較から―
  • ニホンジン ダイガクセイ ト カイガイ ダイガクセイ ノ アサーションド ニ カンスル チョウサ ケンキュウ : ヒ ・ コメ ・ ナカ ・ タイ ノ 4カコク ヒカク カラ

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<p>This study examines whether there is as difference in the levels of assertiveness in university students of different countries, by comparing students of Japan, the United States, Thailand, and China. An additional question is whether there is a difference in the degree of assertiveness by gender.</p><p>I used the questionnaire presented by Tamase et al.(2001), “Assertion Scale for Adolescents.” The participants for this study were 119 Japanese, 97 Americans, 106 Chinese, and 120 Thai students. The data were analyzed statistically.</p><p>The result shows that assertiveness of the university students is different depending on nationality. The overall degree of assertiveness was higher for students of the study countries in the following order: the United States, China, Thailand, and Japan. In addition, for the Relationship-Formation factor, assertiveness was higher in the following order: the United States, China, Thailand, and Japan. In the Persuasion-Negotiation factor, assertiveness was higher in the following order: the United States, China, Thailand, and Japan.</p><p>Furthermore, gender differences were significant in Japanese students and assertiveness in Japanese women participants was lower than for Japanese men. This gender difference was not observed in participants of the other three other countries. Thus It was found that Japanese students’ degree of assertiveness was low compared not only to American students but also to other Asian students. This low level of assertiveness in Japanese students is likely affected by Japanese cultural aspects.</p><p>As assertiveness skills are required for developing mutual understanding across cultures and for frankly stating opinions and ideas in a multi-cultural society, there is a growing need to offer specific education to improve the assertiveness skills of Japanese students.</p>

Journal

  • Intercultural Education

    Intercultural Education 40 (0), 128-137, 2014-08-31

    Intercultural Education Society of Japan

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