Self-assertiveness is defined as the ability to express one's thoughts, views, and feelings without fear of intimidation while standing up for one's rights. Factors that promote self-assertiveness include accepting oneself, appreciating one's identity and strengths, and having good communication skills. Factors that hinder assertiveness are having a negative self-concept, concentrating on weaknesses, and being continually criticized. The document discusses how to develop self-assertiveness through positive self-esteem.

1. DEFINITION OF SELF ASSERTIVENESS
Self-assertiveness is:
 the ability to express one’s
thoughts or being able to put
forward one’s views with
respect to views of others.
 the ability to express one’s
feelings without fear of
Intimidation
 means standing up for your
rights and not being taken
advantage of

2. FACTORS THAT PROMOTE SELF-
ASSERTIVENESS
(i). Accepting oneself
 It is important to acknowledge our uniqueness as individuals.
 An assertive person is able to appreciate the fact that he or she has her own
features which are different from those of other people.
(ii). Accepting and appreciating your identity
 As a person there are things you can do best and those that you cannot.
 The ones you can
 do best are your strengths and the ones you cannot do best are your
weaknesses.
 Your strengths and achievements will boost your assertiveness.
(vi). Good communication skills
 It is important to learn how to fully express yourself.
 This will give you the ability to let people know how you feel without being
aggressive or rude.

3. FACTORS THAT HINDER ASSERTIVENESS
(i). Having a negative self-concept
 People with a negative self-image are
usually withdrawn.
(ii). Concentrating on one’s weaknesses
 If we spend too much time thinking of our
weaknesses and doing nothing about it, we
cannot be assertive.
(iii). Being continually criticised or put
down
 Assertiveness can be affected by what the
society expects from us. For example,
women
are not expected to question some actions of
their husbands, on the other hand children are
not allowed to question their elders.

4. SUMMARY
In this lesson you have learnt about self-assertiveness as a factor that
promotes positive self-concept.
 Self-esteem is the feeling we have about ourselves.
 You also learnt that there are factors which can either promote or
hinder these elements.
 For example, knowing your strengths and working on improving your
weaknesses can promote self assertiveness ,while concentrating on
your weaknesses can hinder them.