Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Assertiveness is the ability to express one's demands, desires, and ideas in a direct, honest, and polite way without violating the rights of others. Empathy is the capacity to relate to and understand the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of another person. When there is a disagreement, the individual who possesses both empathy and assertiveness may express their opinion while also taking into account the feelings of the other person. Assertiveness and empathy are the important skills to nurture interpersonal and social relationships among young adults. This study investigates the relationship between assertiveness and empathy among young adults using a survey method. Sample consisted of 104 young adults age between 18 to 25 years. Simple random sampling technique were used in this study, the data were collected by using standardized tools such as the Rathus Assertiveness schedule developed by Spencer Rathus and Toronto Empathy questionnaire developed by Spreng et al. The result indicated there is no relationship between assertiveness and empathy among young adults. It implies that assertiveness does not correlate with empathy. The result reveal that the young adults who are assertive are also empathetic and able to manage their interpersonal relationship in an effective manner.