Keywords
mental states
anxiety
frustration
aggressiveness
rigidity
socio-psychological adaptation
emerging adulthood
How to Cite
Abstract
Purpose. To investigate the relationship between assertiveness and the mental states of emerging adults, including anxiety, frustration, aggressiveness, and rigidity; to identify typical psycho-emotional profiles of the respondents; and to analyse differences among these profiles in terms of assertiveness.
Methods. The study involved 334 respondents aged 17–23 years. Assertiveness was assessed using the Test of Assertiveness Components (TOCAS) and the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS-30). Mental states were evaluated using the Self-Assessment of Mental States questionnaire (an adapted version of H. Eysenck’s method). Statistical data analysis included descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Welch’s ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and post hoc comparisons.
Results. Cluster analysis identified three psycho-emotional profiles: frustration–moderately aggressive, psycho-emotionally stable, and aggressive–tense. The psycho-emotionally stable profile demonstrated the highest level of assertiveness, whereas respondents with elevated levels of anxiety, frustration, and rigidity exhibited the lowest assertiveness scores. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative relationships between assertiveness and anxiety, frustration, and rigidity. At the same time, the relationship between aggressiveness and assertiveness varied depending on the assessment instrument, indicating the need to distinguish constructive assertiveness from aggression-oriented self-assertion.
Scientific novelty. For the first time, cluster, correlation, and analysis of variance techniques were integrated to examine the relationships between mental states and assertiveness in emerging adults. This approach made it possible to empirically substantiate a typology of psycho-emotional profiles and to clarify the psychological distinctions between constructive assertiveness and aggression-oriented self-assertion.
Conclusions. Assertiveness is an important psychological resource for the socio-psychological adaptation of emerging adults and is closely associated with psycho-emotional well-being. Lower levels of anxiety, frustration, and rigidity contribute to the development of constructive assertive behaviour, whereas increased aggressiveness does not ensure the formation of assertiveness. The findings may be applied in the development of psychological counselling, psycho-correction, and assertiveness training programmes for university students.
Keywords: assertiveness; mental states; anxiety; frustration; aggressiveness; rigidity; socio-psychological adaptation; emerging adulthood.
Received: February 4, 2026
Accepted: May 15, 2026
Published: May 30, 2026
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