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Development and Validation of the Masculine Attributes Questionnaire
11 University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
American Journal of Men'S Health
|April 18, 2017
Summary
This study developed the Masculine Attributes Questionnaire (MAQ) to measure masculinity in African American young men. Findings show reputation-based masculinity predicts sexual risk behaviors, while respect-based masculinity is linked to positive life outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Masculinity is a complex construct influencing health behaviors.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture masculinity in diverse populations.
- African American young men face unique sociocultural influences on masculinity and sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Masculine Attributes Questionnaire (MAQ).
- To create a measure of masculine attributes for sexual health research.
- To examine the relationship between masculinity ideology and sexual risk in African American young men.
Main Methods:
- Development and validation of the MAQ using a sample of 505 African American men (ages 19-22).
- Assessed convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity.
- Examined associations with psychosocial factors and prediction of sexual risk behaviors.
Main Results:
- The MAQ comprises two factors: reputation-based (prowess, toughness) and respect-based (economic independence, relationships) attributes.
- Reputation-based attributes correlated with street code and predicted sexual risk behaviors (concurrent partnerships, multiple partners, marijuana use, incarceration).
- Respect-based attributes correlated with academic/vocational orientation and self-regulation.
Conclusions:
- The MAQ is a valid measure for assessing masculinity ideology in African American young men.
- Reputation-based masculinity is associated with increased sexual risk behaviors.
- The MAQ facilitates quantitative research on masculinity and sexual health outcomes.