Normative studies with the Scale for Interpersonal Behaviour (SIB): i. Nonpsychiatric social skills trainees

The Scale for Interpersonal Behavior (SIB) (Arrindell and Van der Ende, 1985) is a multidimensional self-report measure of state assertiveness. The SIB measures both discomfort (anxiety) associated with self-assertion in specific situations and the likelihood of engaging in a specific assertive response (performance). This is achieved with an overall measure and four factorially-derived scales: (I) Display of negative feelings (Negative assertion), (II) Expression of and dealing with personal limitations, (III) Initiating assertiveness and (IV) Praising others and the ability to deal with compliments/praise of others (Positive assertion). To enhance its application, the SIB was psychometrically evaluated in a sample comprising 562 female and male junior and senior executives (managers) who had voluntarily applied for social skills training in a (nonpsychiatric) commercial guidance center. Findings on factorial invariance and measurement reliability were outstanding. Normative data and sex differences were presented. Compared to their male counterparts, female managers reported higher mean levels of assertive responding on the dimensions of Positive assertion, Expression of and dealing with personal limitations and General assertiveness. While not large in magnitude, these differences were judged to be of some practical importance.