Differentiated additive androgyny model: relations between masculinity, femininity, and multiple dimensions of...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Traditional androgyny theory suggests masculinity and femininity positively influence self-concept.
• Previous research found femininity had a negligible effect on global self-concept measures.
• A need exists to explore how masculinity and femininity differentially impact various self-concept dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a new differentiated additive model of masculinity and femininity's impact on self-concept.
• To examine how masculinity and femininity contribute to specific facets of self-concept.
• To validate findings across self-reports and other-reports, and across adolescent age groups.

Main Methods:

• Two large studies were conducted involving self-concept assessments.
• Data were collected through self-responses and responses from significant others (Study 1).
• Study 2 included participants from 5 early-to-middle adolescent age groups.

Main Results:

• The relative contribution of masculinity and femininity to self-concept varied significantly by self-concept area.
• Femininity showed a more positive association with self-concept facets considered stereotypically feminine.
• Findings were consistent across self- and other-reports and across adolescent age groups.

Conclusions:

• The differentiated additive model provides a better explanation for the relationship between masculinity, femininity, and self-concept than traditional androgyny theory.
• Gender-related traits have distinct effects on different aspects of an individual's self-concept.
• The findings highlight the nuanced interplay of gender and self-concept across adolescence.