Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the use (or lack thereof) of psychological help among family members of schizophrenia patients, and their expression of assertive behavior in relation to their relatives suffering from the illness.

Methods:
The study group consisted of 34 people who run the household with their loved ones – schizophrenia patients. In the study we used the Social Competence Questionnaire (KKS) by Matczak, and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) in the Polish adaptation by Wrześniewski et al. Socio-demographic data were collected through a self-designed survey.

Results:
There was a relationship between a general tendency to avoid action in a problem situation and a tendency to seek social diversion in order to cope with stress. Assertive behavior was also found to correlate with a tendency to engage in substitute activities. Greater willingness to display assertive behavior was observed in subjects who revealed a tendency to avoid thinking about the problem and seeking active solutions in a stressful situation. The analyses also showed that younger people who coped with stress by revealing an avoidant coping style exhibited a more assertive behavior.

Conclusions:
Our study did not confirm the link between the use of psychological assistance by the relatives of schizophrenia patients and their expression of assertive behavior in relation to the patient. However, it proved important that younger people who coped with stress by means of avoidance-oriented strategies manifested a greater propensity for assertive behavior.