Explaining sex differences in interaction goals in support situations: Some mediating effects of expressivity and instrumentality

Abstract

The current study examined the extent to which personality orientations such as expressiveness and instrumentality mediate the effects of sex on goal orientations in support situations. Participants (N = 184; 89 males and 95 females) completed a questionnaire that provided assessments of biological sex, instrumental and expressive personality orientations, and interaction goals in support contexts. Regression procedures indicated that the influence of sex on communication goals was indirect, with sex primarily associated with personality orientation, and personality orientation influencing two of the four communication goals. The personality trait of expressiveness also exerted a direct influence on the goal of discussing feelings. Interestingly, personality did not predict the goal of talking about the problem. The success of this model suggests that it is possible to develop more explanatory accounts of how sex influences varied forms of social behavior.