OBJECTIVES

. Compare and contrast assertive and aggressive behavior.

. How to develop assertive skills.

. Leadership and assertiveness .

WHAT IS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

. Self centered

.Inconsiderate

. Demanding

. A win-lose situation (I will win, you will lose)

. Aggressive people attack or ignore others opinions on favor of their own.

. Tension and aggression are the “Hallmark” of aggression ( Cardillo, 2003)

What is Assertive behavior

. Constructive and Creative

. Insist on being treated fairly

. Stand up for their rights without violating the rights of others

. A win- win situation (WE BOTH WIN)

. Assertiveness will make you feel confident

. You will gain the respect of your peers

. Increases your chance for honest relationships

. Assertiveness is an antidote for fear, shyness, and anger (M. Ameen,2003).

WHy should you be Assertive?

How do you develop e Assertive Skills?

. Choose your words wisely

. Watch your posture and gestures

. Keep your voice firm but pleasant

. Listen and acknowledge what other people say

. Learn to compromise (sometimes you have to pick your battles!

. Look for win-win approach

What can cause non assertive behavior

. Some people want to be nice and not cause “trouble” so they say nothing

. Most nurses are usually real busy and ignore their own rights

. Nurses are expected to be part of a team but not part of decision making

Leadership and Assertiveness

. Being direct an using your authority doesn’t have to be aggressive and negative

. Communication in an assertive manner reduces disagreeable encounters and helps individuals avoid being taken advantage of

. An assertive leader demonstrates self confidence and self respect

Characteristics of aggressive behavior

.. Aggressive behavior is communicated verbally or non verbally

. Invasion of personal space of others

. Aggressive people speak loudly and with great emphasis

. Gestures may be emphatic and often seem threatening (examples: pointing finger, shaking fists, stomping feet (moyer,2003)

Types of Aggression

. Instrumental aggression-This aggression is aimed at obtaining an object, privelege or space with no deliberate intent to harm another person

. Hostile aggression- This type is intended on harm to another person, such as hitting , kicking or threats ( hopefully we won’t ever need to go here!)

. Relationship aggression- this form of aggression’s intent is to do damage to others peer relationship, such as spreading rumors or social exclusion

Theories of Aggression

. Aggressive behavior can be viewed along a continuum with verbal aggression in one end and physical violence at the other end.

. Aggressive behavior varies from person to person

Social factors of aggression

. Frustration is the single most potent means of inciting human beings to aggression

. According to John Dollard’s aggression hypothesis states Frustration always leads to a form of aggression and that aggression always stems from frustration.

A science lecture for you

The Limbic system is associated with the medication of basic drives and the expression of human emotions and behavior such as eating and AGGRESSION.

. It involves the processing of information and memory

. Alterations in the functioning of the limbic system may result in an increase or decrease of potential AGGRESSIVE behavior (moyer, 2003)

BOTTOM LINE IS TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND RELAX BEFORE YOU NEED TO SPEAKBE ASSERTIVE IF YOU NEED TO BUT PROFESSIONAL!

JUST A LITTLE QUESTION SURVEY ON THE LAST SLIDE TO SEE HOW ASSERTIVE YOU ARE

REFERENCES

S. Moyer , Mental health nursing, nursing managementOf aggression, 2003