Content area
Full Text
Path models of the effects of gender, gender roles, and personality variables (achievement and affiliation orientation, locus of control, empathy) on coping and symptoms were tested to explore the risk and protective effects of gender roles and personality on psychological symptoms, and to test whether or not gender roles or personality accounted for gender differences in coping and symptoms. In a sample of university undergraduates (35% Asian American, 59% European American or Caucasian, 6% other ethnic/racial background), masculinity predicted lower depression but higher antisocial and substance use problems, whereas femininity predicted lower antisocial and substance use problems. Personality variables did not account for the effects of gender or gender roles on coping or symptoms, but rather gender roles and personality each predicted unique variance in those variables. Significant gender differences in the relations among gender roles and personality emerged; however, there were no gender differences in the relations between coping and symptoms. Findings highlight the importance of studying gender differences in the effects of gender roles and personality on coping and symptoms, because it appears that gender roles and personality operate differently for males and females.
INTRODUCTION
Late adolescence is a critical transitional period in which individuals face a number of social changes and relationship- and achievement-related stressors (e.g., Compas, Hinden, & Gerhardt, 1995; Copeland & Hess, 1995). Particularly in the transition to young adulthood, individuals are faced with challenges of consolidating their identity, exploring career and personal directions, and forming meaningful relationships. Individuals are expected to deal with stressors more autonomously, with less direct intervention from caregivers or other adults (e.g., Blechman & Culhane, 1993; Feldman, Fisher, Ransom, & Dimiceli, 1995).
During this period, there tend to be more stress-related mental health problems than in later adult years (McLanahan & Sorensen, 1985; Pearlin, 1980). Also, there is evidence for gender differences in the prevalence of psychological symptoms, with females demonstrating higher levels of depression and males demonstrating higher levels of substance use and antisocial behavior (e.g., Hilton, 1987; Myers et al., 1984; Nolen-Hoeksema, 1994). Extensive research exists to suggest that coping and personality characteristics influence individual adaptation and the development of symptomatology. However, few studies have examined gender, gender roles, and personality as simultaneous predictors of coping and adjustment. This study addressed three...