Gender Characteristics and Adjustment-Related Outcomes: Questioning the Masculinity Model

Abstract

Previous reviews have concluded that there is a significant positive relation between masculinity and adjustment. The present study examined the generality of this relation by measuring gender characteristics and adjustment-related outcomes in a multidimensional manner. Results showed that although masculine traits were significantly positively associated with life satisfaction and positive affect for both men and women, they were not related to negative affect. A significant positive relation emerged between masculine traits and dyadic adjustment for both men and women, but this relation was not confirmed by partner reports. Masculine behaviors were unrelated to life satisfaction and positive affect but were positively related to negative affect. Feminine traits were predictive of the experience of pleasant interpersonal emotions and good dyadic functioning for men. A sex difference emerged for feminine interests and behaviors, indicating that they tended to be associated with negative outcomes for men but positive outcomes for women. Together, the results call into question the scope of the masculinity model of adjustment.