SELF-ESTEEM AS A FUNCTION OF MASCULINITY IN BOTH SEXES

Androgyny has been advocated as the most adaptive mode of human functioning, yet empirical studies suggest that masculinity alone may be the key factor in self-esteem. To investigate this, 237 students completed 3 sex role instruments (the Bem Sex-Role Inventory, the ANDRO, and the Desirability scales of the Personality Research Form) and 2 measures of self-esteem (Personal Attributes Questionnaire and the Janis-Field Feelings of Inadequacy Scale). In every case masculinity showed significant positive correlations with self-esteem in both sexes, whereas the correlations with femininity were generally nil or slightly negative. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.