CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Completed Projects
College Women’s Traditional Attitudes towards Femininity and Homonegativity
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Gender & Diversity
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Faculty/Staff
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Faculty/Staff
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Amanda Joyce, PhD; Tracey Garcia McCue, PhD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Approximately 41% of sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) youth report considered suicide in 2022 (The Trevor Project, 2023), and they are 11 times as likely become the victims of violent crimes compared to non-SGM individuals (Flores et al., 2022). Thus, it is important to explore the roots of negative views toward SGM via internalized and projected gendered expectations from men and women. In men, precarious masculinity and self-image could predict homonegativity (Vandello et al., 2008). However, little is known about how women’s attitudes towards femininity and self-image could also predict sexual prejudice (Basow & Johnson, 2000).
One hundred seventy three predominantly white (88.3%), freshmen (59.9%) (Mage = 19.33; SD = 2.381) women contributed to our investigation of femininity, self-image, and sexual prejudice. Participants completed an online survey that measured self-esteem stability (Kernis, 2005), self-esteem level (Rosenberg, 1965), traditional gender roles (Spence & Helmreich, 1978; Weaver & Sargent, 2007), attitudes towards women (Spence et al., 1973), attitudes towards femininity within men (Levant et al., 2013), and attitudes towards lesbian and gay individuals (Morrison & Morrison, 2002; Levant et al., 2013; Worthington et al., 2005) during the Fall and Spring 2023 semesters. It was hypothesized that women with lower self-esteem and higher rates of gendered expectations towards women would have higher levels of homonegativity.
Correlational analyses revealed that stricter gendered attitudes towards women were associated with modern old-fashioned homonegativity (r = .398, p < .000003) and LGB hate (r = .377, p < .00001). Women’s beliefs that men should avoid femininity were also associated with modern old-fashioned homonegativity (r = .689, p < .000001) and with lack of support of LGB rights (r = -.500, p < .00001). Self-esteem levels also negatively correlated with negativity towards sexual minorities (r = -.221, p<.009) and modern old-fashioned homonegativity (r = -.235, p < .006). Results indicate that homonegativity is relative to one’s own self-esteem and one’s attitudes of who is socially accepted to be feminine. Results and their implications will be discussed in more detail during the presentation.
Fall Scholars Week 2023 Event
Psychology: Completed Projects
College Women’s Traditional Attitudes towards Femininity and Homonegativity
Approximately 41% of sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) youth report considered suicide in 2022 (The Trevor Project, 2023), and they are 11 times as likely become the victims of violent crimes compared to non-SGM individuals (Flores et al., 2022). Thus, it is important to explore the roots of negative views toward SGM via internalized and projected gendered expectations from men and women. In men, precarious masculinity and self-image could predict homonegativity (Vandello et al., 2008). However, little is known about how women’s attitudes towards femininity and self-image could also predict sexual prejudice (Basow & Johnson, 2000).
One hundred seventy three predominantly white (88.3%), freshmen (59.9%) (Mage = 19.33; SD = 2.381) women contributed to our investigation of femininity, self-image, and sexual prejudice. Participants completed an online survey that measured self-esteem stability (Kernis, 2005), self-esteem level (Rosenberg, 1965), traditional gender roles (Spence & Helmreich, 1978; Weaver & Sargent, 2007), attitudes towards women (Spence et al., 1973), attitudes towards femininity within men (Levant et al., 2013), and attitudes towards lesbian and gay individuals (Morrison & Morrison, 2002; Levant et al., 2013; Worthington et al., 2005) during the Fall and Spring 2023 semesters. It was hypothesized that women with lower self-esteem and higher rates of gendered expectations towards women would have higher levels of homonegativity.
Correlational analyses revealed that stricter gendered attitudes towards women were associated with modern old-fashioned homonegativity (r = .398, p < .000003) and LGB hate (r = .377, p < .00001). Women’s beliefs that men should avoid femininity were also associated with modern old-fashioned homonegativity (r = .689, p < .000001) and with lack of support of LGB rights (r = -.500, p < .00001). Self-esteem levels also negatively correlated with negativity towards sexual minorities (r = -.221, p<.009) and modern old-fashioned homonegativity (r = -.235, p < .006). Results indicate that homonegativity is relative to one’s own self-esteem and one’s attitudes of who is socially accepted to be feminine. Results and their implications will be discussed in more detail during the presentation.