Psychological Androgyny and Assertiveness in Females

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between psychological androgyny and assertiveness in females. 178 female undergraduates were administered the Bem Sex-role Inventory and a 40-item, self-report, assertiveness inventory. On the basis of their Bem scores subjects were assigned to one of four sex-role categories; sex-typed, sex-reversed, androgynous, or indeterminate. Androgynous subjects, in contrast to sex-typed subjects, reported significantly less discomfort in situations demanding assertiveness, a significantly higher probability of engaging in assertive behavior, and fewer situations they would like to be able to handle more assertively. These findings suggest that androgynous females deny or suppress behaviors traditionally seen as inappropriate for women on fewer occasions than do sex-typed females.