Multivariate analysis of new sex role formulations and personality

Investigated the relationship of new sex role formulations, specifically S. L. Bem's (1974, 1975, 1976) concept of psychological androgyny and the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), to personality dimensions. 138 male and 136 female college students filled out the BSRI and the 16 PF. Regression analysis suggested that the BSRI Masculine scale was convergent with personality dimensions characterized as masculine. Results for the BSRI Feminine scale were equivocal. Discriminant analysis suggested that androgynous and masculine-typed Ss shared similar personality dimensions in opposition to feminine and undifferentiated Ss. These results did not fully support Bem's hypothesis of sex roles; however, evidence emerged indicating that masculinity and femininity, as traits, may be qualitatively different phenomena. The implications for trait behavioral measurement are discussed. All results were cross-validated with a 2nd sample of 88 males and 93 females. (21 ref)