Research on the Relationship between Formation of Psychological Boundaries and Assertiveness in Primary School Children

Abstract

The article presents results of a study on the relationship between the level of formation of psychological boundaries and the development of assertiveness in primary school children. The authors review the main Russian and foreign theoretical concepts of assertive behavior and identify the key aspects of the phenomenon of psychological boundaries in modern psychology. The study involved 165 schoolchildren of 3rd and 4th classes. The following research techniques were applied: N.Brown’s Personal Boundaries technique, V.Sheinov’s Test of Assertiveness, and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. The study revealed the correlation between psychological boundaries and patterns of behavior in a conflict situation as well as with assertiveness skills in schoolchildren. The results of the study suggest that the development of assertiveness will have a positive impact on the development of autonomy and the formation of healthy psychological boundaries in primary school children, increase their self-confidence and contribute to the development of the ability to cope with difficult life situations, including conflicts.

Keywords

• psychological boundaries
• conflict behavior
• assertiveness
• assertive behavior
• social fears