The Chinese Gender Role Stress scales. Factor structure and predictive validity

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Cross-cultural psychology

Background:

• Gender role stress (GRS) is theorized to be sex-specific.
• Previous research indicates potential cultural variations in GRS.
• Validation of translated GRS scales is crucial for cross-cultural research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the factor structure and predictive validity of translated Masculine Gender Role Stress (MGRS) and Feminine Gender Role Stress (FGRS) scales in Chinese samples.
• To compare GRS scores between Chinese college students and professionals.
• To assess the predictive utility of MGRS and FGRS factors for psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• Translated MGRS and FGRS scales administered to 482 Chinese college students and professionals.
• Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to test the original five-factor structure.
• Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to identify a more parsimonious structure.
• Predictive validity assessed using regression analyses for psychological distress outcomes.

Main Results:

• Results supported sex-specific gender role stressors: men scored higher on MGRS, lower on FGRS than women.
• Students reported higher scores on both GRS scales compared to professionals.
• MGRS factors predicted somatic complaints and anxiety; FGRS factors predicted social dysfunction.
• The original five-factor structure was rejected by CFA; a revised three-factor solution showed comparable psychometric properties and predictive validity.

Conclusions:

• The MGRS and FGRS constructs are relevant and useful within the Chinese cultural context.
• A revised three-factor structure for both scales provides a psychometrically sound and parsimonious alternative to the original five-factor structure.
• Gender role stress is a significant predictor of specific psychological distress symptoms in Chinese adults.