Autonomous and relational processes in self concept: Are they influenced by gender role attitudes?

Beth Francine Tescher Gier, Purdue University

Abstract

The autonomous-relational constructs of self and the masculine-feminine constructs have been unnecessarily confounded in past research measures. In the current research an attempt was made to avoid this confound by using contemporary self concept and gender role attitude measures. Study One served as a replication study of gender differences for the following instruments: Self Perception Profile for College Students (Neemann & Harter, 1986), Six Factor Self Concept Scale (Stake, 1994), Gender Role Journey Measure (O'Neil, Egan, Owen, & McBride Murry, 1993), and the Gender Role Beliefs Measure (Prasad & Baron, 1996). Results of Study One replicated those previously found on the gender role attitude measures, but found no agreement between the Self Perception Profile for College Students and the Six Factor Self Concept Scale in the definition of autonomous and relatedness. Study Two focused on group differences in self concept as a function of low versus high traditional gender role attitudes. Very few group differences were obtained on the self concept scales. The low evaluations on the importance of autonomy and relatedness than the high traditional group. Participants also did not differ on their descriptions of how they perceived themselves on a Self Complexity questionnaire (Linville, 1985), nor of what they hoped to be, feared to be, and expected to be on a Possible Selves questionnaire (Markus & Nurius, 1986). Recommendations include the need for future self concept research to emphasize clear definition, replication, and external validation of the underlying constructs of autonomy and relatedness.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Merritt, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy|Personality

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