Gender differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the sex (gender) differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness intensity and its manifestations, as well as relationships between indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations (categories) and the psychological dimensions of masculinity and femininity, also from the point of view of assessing occupational health and safety. A population of 558 individuals (399 females and 159 males) aged 19-25 (mean age: 22.6) was studied. The Polish version of the "Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale" (CS-DS) by Kelley adapted by Suchańska was used in order to examine indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations. Gender testing applied the Polish version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) by Bem in its adaptation by Kuczyńska. Males' scores are significantly higher than those of females for the majority of CS-DS scales/indices: Indirect Self-Destructiveness (general index), Poor Health Maintenance (A2), Lack of Planfulness (A4), and Helplessness, Passiveness (A5). Moreover, there are statistically significant correlations between CS-DS scales and the masculinity dimension (positive) as well as the femininity dimension (negative). Masculinity is a factor that may predispose towards indirectly self-destructive behaviors, while femininity is a factor protecting against those. The study results may prove useful in preventing indirectly and directly self-destructive behaviors as well as in therapy work with the individuals who display such tendencies or have made attempts on their own lives, in particular taking into account their being of a specific sex/gender and in the context of work (especially in difficult or dangerous conditions or both).