| Abstract: | This research attempted to extend the validity of the self-schema concept by examining a previously untested self-attribute and by examining self-schema effects on the interpretation of more realistic stimulus situations than used in past studies. The attribute was a self-schema for assertiveness and the validity of this self-knowledge structure was evaluated in two studies. In Stuty 1 assertion schematics and aschematics were compared for retrieval of schema-relevant information on a laboratory task of incidental recall. In Study 2 schematics and aschematics were compared on five different tasks that required elaboration of information about rights assertion conflict situations. Study 1 results revealed that schematics as compared to aschematics recalled more assertion related adjectives but did not differ in recall of domain-irrelevant words. Results from Study 2 showed that schematics as compared to aschematics recalled more past instances of assertive behaviors when asked to elaborate why an assertion adjective was endorsed as “Like me”. Also, schematics were significantly more certain they would behave assertively both in situations where assertion was appropriate and in those where compromise was more appropriate. On two perceptual factors known to correlate with assertive behavior, schematics were more likely to judge moderately legitimate requests (i.e., ambiguous requests) as more unreasonable and when asked to generate expected consequences for assertive responses focused more on self rather than other person consequences. The consistency of the results with respect to various hypothesized functions of the self-schema construct are discussed. |
