<![CDATA[Low self-esteem among some students is associated with weak assertive behavior, as indicated by a lack of confidence in expressing opinions, difficulty making decisions independently, a tendency to yield to peer pressure, and an inability to defend their rights in social interactions at school. This study aimed to analyze the effect of self-esteem on the assertive behavior of eighth-grade students at MTs Negeri 7 Agam. This study employed a quantitative approach using an associative method. From a population of 254 students, a sample of 155 students was selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected using self-esteem and assertive behavior questionnaires that met the validity and reliability criteria and were then analyzed using simple linear regression and an F-test with the assistance of SPSS 22. The findings showed that self-esteem had a positive and significant effect on students’ assertive behavior, with the regression equation (Y = 53.108 + 0.687X), a significance value of 0.000 (< 0.05), and a regression coefficient of 0.687. These results indicate that each one-unit increase in self-esteem is accompanied by a 0.687-unit increase in assertive behavior. Thus, the higher the students’ self-esteem, the higher their assertive behavior. These findings underscore the importance of guidance and counseling services focused on developing self-esteem so that students are better able to express their opinions, make decisions independently, and appropriately defend their rights in social interactions at school.]]>
