The Mediating Role of Behavioral Self- Regulation in Relation of Identity Styles and Assertiveness

The present study investigateda causal model of identity styles in predicting assertiveness through behavioral self- regulation. Two hundred and sixty five students (121 girls, 144 boys) were selected from high schools of Abarkuh, Yazd using multistage cluster sampling method. The participants completed the revised Berzonsky Identity Styles Inventory (White et al., 1998), the Behavioral Self - regulation Questionnaire (Brown, Miller, & Lawendowski, 1999), and the Assertiveness Questionnaire (Gambrill & Richey, 1975). The hypothetical model was tested by path analysis and the significance of the mediating effects were assessed by Bootstrap method. The results supported the mediating role of behavioral self- regulation. The results indicated that the informational style positively and significantly predicted assertiveness directly and indirectly through behavioral self-regulation. Identity commitment positively and significantly predicted assertiveness through behavioral self-regulation. Diffuse-avoidant style negatively and significantly predicted assertiveness through behavioral self-regulation. Behavioral self – regulation was a significant and positive predictor of assertiveness. The findings were discussed in terms of their applications to parents’ education and assertiveness enhancement in students.