Correlation of Assertive Behavior with Communication Satisfaction among Nurses

Abstract

Background: Assertive nurses are likely to impart effective patient care as they can stand up for their rights and refuse unreasonable requests but nurses show non-assertive and submissive behaviour which result in lack of communication satisfaction, stress and low self esteem. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of assertive behaviour and interpersonal communication satisfaction among nurses. Methods: In a descriptive, co-relational, cross sectional survey, 220 eligible nurses working in selected hospitals of Punjab were identified conveniently and data were gathered using Socio demographic Data Sheet, Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and Interpersonal Communication Satisfaction Inventory (Com-Sat). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Assertive behavior has large positive correlation with interpersonal communication satisfaction at 0.01 level of significance (r= 0.505**). Older nurses who are on regular job, studied from Govt. nursing institutions and working in Govt. hospitals were more assertive. Nurses those are older (p<.002), studied from Govt. nursing colleges (p<.03) and with designation of nursing sister/ward in-charges had more score on communication satisfaction score as compared to staff nurses (p<.049). Conclusion: Study concluded that assertive behaviour of nurses results in high interpersonal communication satisfaction. Nurses should use assertive behaviour as it directly affects the interpersonal communication satisfaction ultimately results in high patient care. Policy makers can plan and organize assertiveness training or other intervention for non assertive nurses so that they can be trained for assertive behaviour and communication.

Keywords: Assertive behaviour, Interpersonal communication satisfaction, Nurse.