Subjects classified into one of five sex-role endorsement categories were tested for competitive trait anxiety. Results showed "masculine" males less anxious than other subjects, "feminine" males more anxious, and no significant differences among female groups. (CMG)

The Gough Femininity Scale was administered to undergraduates at an urban community college over an 11-year period. Means for male and female students remained relatively the same, which may suggest that although sexual behaviors have changed, psychological attitudes and traits have not. (CJM)

In this study, androgynous and masculine individuals reported less fear of success than feminine or undifferentiated individuals, and fear of success was related more to absence of masculine traits than presence of feminine ones. Only certain components of masculinity were unrelated to fear of success. (CMG)

Studied perceptions about the perceived masculinity and femininity of kibbutz male adolescents of 79 Israeli adolescents, half of whom were urban and half of whom were raised on a kibbutz. Kibbutz targets were generally seen as more masculine. Exceptions and differences among urban and rural adolescents are discussed. (SLD)

Investigated gender differences in the gender role perceptions of Japanese college students, who rated the desirability of items on a sex role inventory. Significant gender differences occurred only on the desirability ratings of feminine items for men (men scored higher than women). Both men and women perceived that masculine and feminine…

Surveyed male and female adults to test several hypotheses about the relationship between sex, gender, personality, and social support. Overall, gender, but not sex, significantly correlated with patterns of social support. Femininity in both sexes associated with seeking and receiving emotional support, and with seeking and receiving support from…

Tested the hypothesis that adult readers would identify with story characters who display a similar gender role orientation to themselves. Findings indicate an interaction between reader's gender role and character's gender role behavior. Davis's (1983) Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Empathic Concern subscale) significantly predicted…

Research on sex role concepts among young children found that: 1) the overlap children saw between male and female characteristics increased with age; 2) girls were less sex-typed than boys; 3) the realization that sex remains constant was associated with decreased sex typing; and 4) adults were seen in less sex-typed terms than peers. (Author/MJL)

Investigated the portrayal of gender characteristics in elementary school textbooks, particularly masculine and feminine stereotypes, examining first, third, and fifth grade literature textbooks using an evaluative instrument based on the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Despite publisher's guidelines and Title IX, males are still portrayed primarily in a…

Reviews theoretical and empirical literature on androgyny in adolescence. Contrasts the traditional bipolar view of sex roles and more recent models of sex role development. Reviews the research literature on the relation between sex role orientation and psychosocial well-being in adolescence. (Author/JS)

Over 400 college students used the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) to describe either a typical, desirable, or ideal man or woman. Findings obtained from Bem's androgeny score are contrasted with those from its component masculinity and femininity scale scores. Recommendations are made for using the component scores as separate variables. (Author/GC)

Female college students were divided into four groups on the basis of achievement level (under- or over-achievement) and sex role orientation (feminine or androgynous). Results showed that women who were androgynous and high in achievement level tended to attribute their success more to ability than did the other groups. (CMG)

Compared the pronouns he, she, and they with he/she alternating to examine children's recall and gender interpretation of stories. Children read stories about ambiguous characters called by varying pronouns and enjoying stereotypically masculine, feminine, or neutral activities. Recall was higher for girls, older children, and children hearing…

Explored the effects on college students' mood and body image of a negative versus positive outcome in an opposite-sex, competitive peer interaction. Used one gender-neutral and one gender stereotypical task. There were no gender differences in reactions to winning or losing gender-neutral competitions, except marginally for depression. The…

Identified factors that helped prevent attitudes tolerant of risky sexual behavior among inner-city, African American, preadolescent girls age 10-13 years. Survey data indicated that feminine gender role orientation, self-concept, and ethnic identity related to attitudes less tolerant of risky sexual behaviors. Masculine gender role orientation…