Assessment measures included (1) a physical abuse questionnaire to obtain demographic information frequency and magnitude of violent episodes; (2) a 34-item 'areas of change' questionnaire on specific behaviors which are relevant to members of a marital relationship; (3) the revealed difference questionnaire which, required responden to rank 4 alternatives for each of 40 items from 'most true' or 'most preferred' to 'least true' or least preferred; 'and (4) a 12-scenario role play test of assertiveness, which was videotaped for subsequent rating by trained research assistants. Results indicate that members of abusive dyads exhibited deficits on selected behavioral components of assertion. Few differences were observed between these dyads and the maritally discordant, nonviolent condition. Findings are discussed in terms of the need of further evaluation of interpersonal skill variables in physically abusive males, issues in selection of measures and subjects, and the need to consider the possible interactive effects of multiple factors in family violence research. 47 references.