Discusses background issues relating to masculine identity. Examines Wade's theory of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence including the Male Reference Group Identity Dependence Scale (RGIDS) in terms of conceptual and methodological issues. Argues that the RGIDS focuses on the male's present reference group and ignores earlier reference…

Discusses author's theory of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence. Explores the concept of psychological relatedness and male identity. Describes the concept of the male reference cohort. Discusses multicultural applicability and the future of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence Theory. (MKA)

Investigated how male reference group identity status related to psychosocial functioning in college males. The Reference Group Identity Status Scale was correlated with measures of students' personal, social, and collective aspects of identity; sense of belongingness; and appreciation of similarities and differences among people. Results…

Discusses observations of a group of boys who formed a study group under direction of a local charismatic rabbi in an Israeli slum. Discusses boys' transistion from delinquent to nondeliquent behavior in terms of reference group theory. Found major attracting factors of group to be warmth and caring with order and discipline. Discusses…

A study of 334 Korean male immigrants in the Chicago area reveals that their mental well-being is likely to increase with length of residency and that the most significant variable is occupational satisfaction. (DM)

Presents a theory of male identity developed to address the question of why men vary in their masculinity ideology and in their conformity to standards of masculinity. An overview of relevant masculinity research, theoretical foundations for the construct of reference group identity dependence, theoretical postulates, associated behavioral, and…

Relates Wade's and Gelso's Male Reference Group Dependence Theory to past and present literature in the new psychology of men. Points out the strengths of the ideas and data; reflects on where the theory needs more clarification and extension. (MKA)

Argues that Wade's Male Reference Group Identity Dependence Theory seems to cover familiar groups in respect to gender issues. Also holds that Wade's theory is not sensitive enough to individual differences. Discusses the status of the groups in the study. Offers suggestions for future research. (MKA)

The purpose of the present research brief is to report a novel characteristic of role model choice that may be unreported in the literature for black males and to assess this finding in relation to perceived attractiveness of self and a member of the opposite sex. The study found that the proportion of males choosing themselves as their own role…

Develops a measure of male identity based on Wade's theory of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence. The Reference Group Identity Dependence Scale (RGIDS) assesses feelings of psychological relatedness to other males. Undergraduate males (N=344) completed the RGIDS. Discusses findings in terms of implications for the theory and future research…

This article addresses the rapid increase in single father households in the United States. Examines the concerns and counseling needs of single fathers and offers the rationale behind group counseling as a preferred method of treatment for such fathers. Also discussed are components of a psychoeducational group approach. (RJM)

This article focuses on factors counselors should consider when forming groups for HIV-infected gay and bisexual men. Some issues that may arise during group counseling include existential and spiritual concerns, physical and medical issues, intraindividual concerns, the social stigma of AIDS, and homophobia, as well as other gay and bisexual…

This article describes a group counseling model designed to help male clients explore how the male gender role is experienced. A gender-sensitive approach to group leadership allows a reconceptualization of many of the traditionally problematic behaviors in men, such as the lack of emotional expressiveness. (RJM)

Potential helpers often fail to recognize indicators which provide clues to men who were molested as children; male sexual abuse remains underreported. Group counseling can help men overcome their resistance to disclosure and remove other impediments to healing. Discusses group goals and organization, leader characteristics and research…

Discusses clinical concerns of sex offenders such as personal losses and external pressures during treatment; ongoing interface with the mental health, legal and child protection systems; and changes in both the offender's interpersonal system and sexuality. Therapists working with this population require broad-based clinical skills. (RJM)