The assertive driver and the assertive passenger: interdependence in creating mature attitudes

Proper human development progresses from dependence through independence to experiencing interdependence with others.
The article addresses the issue of mutual interactions between a driver and their passenger, through which they can shape assertive behaviors and a mature attitude of interdependence.

Assertiveness has become a very popular concept. We want to feel assertive in all spheres of our lives and be perceived by others as assertive people. The topic of increasing assertiveness in drivers is widely discussed, as it is believed that such a driver’s attitude will result in improved road safety.
However, is the driver the only person in the vehicle who should work on developing their assertiveness? What role can an assertive passenger play in improving safety? How is the issue of independence and dependence distributed between the driver and the passenger? Is the driver a person completely independent in making all decisions related to driving, and is the passenger a person passively submitting to the course of events? What new insights can the theory of human interdependence bring to creating mature attitudes for both the driver and the passenger?
This article will be an attempt to find answers to the questions posed above.
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Keywords: assertiveness, interdependence, maturity, driver, passenger – PDF file for download