An Examination of the Dimensions of Intimacy and Male Gender Role Conflict

Abstract

This study was predicated by Pleck's (1981) male gender role strain paradigm that assumes the existence of inherent maladaptive elements in the rigid adherence of traditional male ideology. This construct has been widely researched across multiple domains in the field of psychology. In addition, intimacy has been considered an indice of overall well being, but has not been researched as extensively. Examining the relationship between these two constructs is considered significant in understanding vital influencing elements of romantic relationships. Previous research has not examined gender role conflict as a potential influencing factor in a heterosexual couple's experience of romantic intimacy.

This study used a descriptive correlational design. Participants completed the Gender Role Conflict Scale, First Edition, the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships scale, and a demographics questionnaire. Participants were recruited from home construction related arenas. The sample consisted of 101 males in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area and was primarily Caucasian.

Most hypotheses were retained and statistical significance was found in theoretically congruent directions. The overall gender role conflict score and the subscale score of restrictive emotionality were found to be significantly correlated with most scores of intimacy, including the overall and many subscale intimacy scores. Gender role conflict and restrictive emotionality were also found to be significant predictors for many intimacy scores via multivariate regression equations.

This study affirmed the relationship between gender role conflict and its deleterious effects on one's corresponding experience of intimacy in committed romantic relationships. Future research should focus on exploring more factors that influence a male's experience of romantic relationship in the hopes to aid clinical interventions and the general examination of traditional male gender ideology.