Exploring the Interplay of Assertiveness, Social Anxiety, and Communication Competence Among College Students in Lunglei, Mizoram

Abstract

Assertiveness, as a social skill, plays a vital role in buffering social anxiety and enhancing effective communication and self-efficacy beliefs. This study aimed to explore the interplay of assertiveness, social anxiety, communication competence, and self-efficacy among college students. A sample of 130 participants from Lunglei district, Mizoram, were assessed using the Rathus Assertiveness Scale, Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, Communication Competence Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. The result of t-test revealed significant gender differences in assertiveness (p=.022) and self-efficacy (p=.001). Correlation analysis indicates a negative association between assertiveness for both males (r=-.251*) and females (r=.256*). An association between assertiveness and self-efficacy was found only for males (.265*). Further analysis indicates a positive association between communication competence and self-efficacy for both males (r=.320**) and females (r=.290*). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that social anxiety negatively predicts assertiveness for both males (β = -.251, ΔR2 = .048, p=.044) and females (β = -.278, ΔR2 = .062, p=.025). However, self-efficacy was found to be significant predictor of assertiveness only for males (β = .259, ΔR2 = .085, p=.045). Communication competence was not found to be a significant predictor of assertiveness for neither males nor females.  These findings elucidate the significance of assertiveness crucial factor for effective social functioning, its relationship with social anxiety, communication competence, and self-efficacy. An understanding of the interplay of these behavioural measures can contribute to the development of interventions aimed at enhancing assertiveness skills and promoting positive social behaviours among college students.