Effects of Masculine Identity and Gender Role Stress on Aggression in Men

Predominant theories posit that an association between masculine identity and aggression is moderated by gender role stress, the degree to which a man experiences cognitive stress when adhering to masculine norms. This study examines whether masculine identity predicts aggressive behavior under laboratory conditions and whether this relationship is moderated by gender role stress. Seventy-five men participated in a competitive reaction time task wherein they were given the choice to shock or refrain from shocking a bogus opponent. Analyses revealed a significant moderating effect of gender role stress on the relationship between identity and aggression. Significant main effects for identity and gender role stress were found, indicating that gender role stress and masculine identity, alone and together, account for a significant amount of variance in aggressive behavior in men. Effects of masculine identity and gender role stress on initiation and maintenance of aggressive behavior are discussed in the context of gender role socialization in men.