Cross-sectional study of gender role conflict examining college-aged and middle-aged men.

Abstract

This study examined gender role conflict in college-aged and middle-aged men. Eighty-eight college-aged men and 89 middle-aged men completed 5 measures that assess gender role conflict and psychological well-being. Multivariate analysis of variance results indicated that, compared with college-aged men, middle-aged men were less conflicted about success, power, and competition, but were more conflicted between work and family responsibilities. Canonical analysis indicated two significant roots between (a) gender role conflict and psychological well-being and (b) age group, gender role conflict, and psychological wellbeing. The discussion focuses on implications for counseling, limitations, and future research. The construct of gender is a major organizing principle underlying roles in society and the nature of interpersonal relationships (Cook, 1990). A major body of literature examining masculine, feminine, and androgynous gender roles suggests that the masculine role has beneficial effects for those who enact the role. In the psychological sphere, the masculine role has been cited as fostering psychological well-being, assertiveness, self-esteem, and psychological health (Antill & Cunningham, 1979; Whitley, 1983, 1985). In contrast to this research, others have suggested that there are liabilities associated with the male gender role, which include increased risk-taking and self-destructive behaviors (Meth, 1990), increased stress (Stewart & Lykes, 1985),