AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF «ASSERTIVENESS» IN THE CONTEXT OF STUDYING THE PHENOMENON OF AGENCY

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to conduct a theoretical analysis of the concept of «assertiveness» in the context of the concept of subjectivity. This study is based on the use of a number of theoretical methods. The general strategic approach to this research is a systematic analysis of scientific sources on the issues of assertiveness and agency. Key methods include generalization and abstraction, which allow for the derivation of comprehensive theoretical conclusions based on the analysis of a set of theoretical data. The next step involves the use of modeling, which enables the identification of relationships between the phenomena under study. Approaches to understanding assertiveness in psychological science are briefly analyzed. In general, assertiveness is understood as the ability to communicate and to demonstrate courage and confidence in defending one’s own position. The main criteria for this phenomenon have been identified: the honest expression of emotions, frankness, the absence of fear of rejection, the ability to engage in reasoned discussion, and respect for one’s social environment. The concept of “agent,” which characterizes a person capable of actively perceiving reality, has been analyzed. Consequently, agency is explained as a characteristic and the ability to actively influence reality in the context of transformations in worldview and an individual’s mental models. A theoretical analysis of these concepts allows us to identify common elements among the phenomena under study: autonomy, independence, responsibility, psychological maturity, and volitional qualities. We propose the view that agency acts as a holistic characteristic of optimal, conscious personal activity, whereas assertiveness is its direct instrumental manifestation in the context of emotions and communication. The hypothesis that assertiveness and subjectivity are directly statistically interdependent as part and whole requires further testing. It is concluded that these phenomena can serve as metric indicators of an individual’s psychological maturity. We see further prospects for research on this topic in the development and validation of a reliable diagnostic instrument aimed at studying agency and assertiveness.