HPE Respect, Power, Coercion and Consent

Respect

Treating others with dignity and consideration for their feelings, rights and wellbeing, regardless of difference.

Empathy

Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Seeing things from their perspective.

Power

The capacity to influence or control others. Can be formal (authority) or social (peer status, age, gender, size).

Coercion

Using pressure, threats, manipulation or force to make someone do something against their will or better judgement.

Aggressive

Expresses feelings in a punishing, threatening or hostile way. Stands up for own rights but other people's rights do not matter. Sounds like: This is what I want. What you want is not important.

Assertive

Expresses feelings, needs and rights without being punishing or threatening others. Respects both parties. Sounds like: I respect myself and I respect you too.

Submissive/Passive

Does not express own feelings, needs or preferences, or does so indirectly. Dismisses own importance. Sounds like: What you want matters but I do not, so do not worry about me.