Date of Award

Summer 1981

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Miller, Judith F.

Second Advisor

DiMotto, Jean

Third Advisor

Fehring, Richard J.

Abstract

Based on the premises that overweight persons are generally non-assertive and that assertiveness is a negative correlate of anxiety, this study tested the hypotheses that there will be a positive correlation between assertiveness and weight loss, and a negative correlation between assertiveness and anxiety. The Adult Self-Expression Scale (ASES), a 48-item self-report measure of assertiveness, and the trait form of the widely-used State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered to 81 female members of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) groups. The subjects also responded to questionnaires designed to elicit personal/demographic data including the amount of weight lost since commencement of the weight reduction program. Sixty-seven subjects had adequately completed the questionnaires and the data they yielded did not support the hypotheses that : 1) there would be a positive correlation between assertiveness and weight loss, and 2) there would be a negative correlation between assertiveness and anxiety.

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