The Effects of Masculinity Threat: A Comparison Between Heterosexual and Homosexual Men

Caon, Giorgia, Ms (2023) The Effects of Masculinity Threat: A Comparison Between Heterosexual and Homosexual Men. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Masculinity has come to be regarded as a social status that is hard earned and easily lost. Research shows that threats to one’s status of masculinity often result in hostile behaviours and attitudes. In our study, we examined the effects of an other-imposed masculinity threat in relation to reported levels of sexism, homophobia, shame, guilt, and anger. Additionally, we assessed these effects in the context of comparing responses from heterosexual and homosexual men. Based on a model of masculine identity and self-discrepancies, we hypothesised that an other-imposed masculinity threat would induce an externalised response. Secondly, we hypothesised that an other-imposed masculinity threat would not induce an internalised response. Finally, we hypothesised that responses to masculinity threats would differ between heterosexual and homosexual men. Participants were 270 men who were divided into a control condition (N = 145) and an experimental condition (N = 125). Those in the experimental condition received a vignette that served as an other-imposed masculinity threat. Following this, participants answered self-report scales pertaining to sexist and homophobic attitudes, shame, guilt, and anger, respectively. Separate two-way ANOVAs were conducted for each self-report variable to deduce the impact of masculinity threat and sexual orientation. Our findings supported our second hypothesis, but they did not support our first and third hypotheses. Exploratory analyses found that the extent to which men endorse traditional masculinity norms played a role in their responses to masculinity threat. Our findings have theoretical implications for models of masculinity threat and practical implications for mental health professionals. Keywords: Masculinity threat, actual-ought discrepancy, externalised responses, internalised responses, sexism, homophobia, anger, shame, guilt

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Aksu, A.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	24 Jul 2023 09:46
Last Modified:	24 Jul 2023 09:46
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2546

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