Investigating Adolescents’ Assertiveness and Trait Anxiety Levels Based on Certain Variables

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the assertiveness and trait anxiety levels of adolescents differ based on certain variables such as gender, grade and age. The study was designed as a relational screening model. The participants of the study consisted of total 366 adolescents (189 females, and 177 males) who were enrolled in 5 different vocational high schools in ？zmir province. The data were collected via Rathus Assertiveness Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory and Demographic Information Form. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA and regression analyses were used. The results indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between the assertiveness and trait anxiety scores of adolescents. When compared according to gender, females were found to have higher trait anxiety scores compared to males. Even no significant difference was found, males had higher mean scores on assertiveness. The results also showed that 12th grade students have significantly higher assertiveness levels compared to 9th grade students. Also 17-year-old students were found to have higher assertiveness levels compared to students both 15 and 16 years old. The results were discussed within the framework of the related literature and suggestions were presented