Understanding the Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Styles
Purpose

To practice composing passive, aggressive, and assertive responses to real-life situations.
Instructions
1. After each situation, compose a passive, aggressive, and assertive response.
You have just paid for your dinner at one of your favorite restaurants. However, you suddenly realize
that your change is a dollar short.
Passive Response:
Aggressive Response:
Assertive Response:

You are relaxing with the paper after a long day. Your spouse rushes in and hands you a list of food
items and says,

Passive Response:
Aggressive Response:
Assertive Response:

Your teacher lost the test you handed in and says you must take the test again.
Passive Response:
Aggressive Response:
Assertive Response:

Your roommate has not been doing his or her share of chores around the apartment.
Passive Response:
Aggressive Response:
Assertive Response:

While you wait patiently for the clerk to finish with the customer ahead of you, another customer comes
in and the clerk waits on him before you.
Passive Response:
Aggressive Response:
Assertive Response:

Discussion

1. Which responses were the most difficult for you to compose: the passive, aggressive, or assertive?
2. Would others who know you well say you are more passive, aggressive, or assertive in dealing with
conflicts and problem solving? Explain.
3. Do you think there are gender differences in certain styles?