Self-assertion is a form of power
If the child’s self-affirmation is frustrated, Rollo May suggests that the pursuit of power will escalate to the next level of self-assertion. While self-affirmation is speaking up on one’s behalf, self-assertion is a “dig in your heels” effort to oppose the wishes of another person. Let’s say a teenager is invited by his peers to take drugs. He might say, “No, I’m not interested.” This is an affirmation. What might happen to shift this response to self-assertion?