Masculinity Priming: Testing the Causal Effect of Activating Subjective Masculinity Experiences on Self-Esteem. Issue 1 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, Y. Joel; Levant, Ronald F.; Welsh, Matthew M.; Zaitsoff, Andrew; Garvin, Matthew; King, Daniel; Aguilar, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of men's studies. Volume 23:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: masculinity -- priming -- self-esteem; Men's studies -- Periodicals; Men -- Periodicals; Men's movement -- Periodicals; Masculinity -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 155.332
• DOI: 10.1177/1060826514561989
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1060-8265

Abstract

Most research on the link between masculinity-related constructs and psychology well-being has been conducted using correlational rather than experimental research designs. To address this limitation, this study tested the effects of activating men's subjective masculinity experiences on state self-esteem by randomly assigning 183 men into either a masculinity priming condition or a control priming condition. Consistent with the social identity paradigm, participants who received masculinity priming reported higher state self-esteem than those in the control priming condition. A moderation effect showed that masculinity priming exerted the strongest effect on self-esteem among men with relatively negative self-perceptions. These findings are discussed within the context of the need for more experimental research on masculinity-related constructs.