Assertiveness focuses on goal orientation and self-actualizing behavior. In being assertive, the ability to be honest, open, responsive and expressive is both valued and practiced. Assertiveness recognizes basic human rights and seeks to protect these rights. Assertiveness becomes meaningful when it is contrasted with other forms of conduct, for example, aggressiveness and passivity. Aggressiveness Aggressive behavior is any act or response which violates the rights and dignity of another.
Aggression attacks the ego or the self.
It tends to be excessive and overbearing. It may be sarcastic and conflict oriented. The aggressive person seeks to manipulate the behavior of others by using force, threat or coercion. Aggression is usually expressed with fist clinching, tightening of the facial muscles, reddening of the face, leaning forward, steady eye contact, and fast or determined rate of speech. Passive behavior denies self-worth, develops undue difference, and stifles the expression of true feelings and needs.