Sex-role and need configuration

Abstract

This study examined configurations of needs for various sex-rile typologies. 134 undergraduates completed the BSRI and the Adjective Check List. Based upon median splits of the Masculine and Feminine scales, subjects were assigned to one of four sex-role categories: Androgynous, Masculine, Feminine, and Undifferentiated. Within each sex-role category, the t-scores for the 15 need scales were factor analyzed using a varimax rotation. In each case, a four-factor solution appeared most meaningful. Additionally, coefficients of congruence were calculated between factors for each sex-role pair, and a procedure devised to test the statistical significance of factor structure similarity between groups. As hypothesized, the Androgynous and Undifferentiated individuals were most dissimilar whereas the Feminine and Undifferentiated were most similar. The results confirm the findings of previous studies that have examined personality attributes in isolation. Discussion of factor structures of the need scales is presented.