Traditional Machismo, Caballerismo, and Sexual Identity Development Among Latino Sexual Minority Men

The potential impact of traditional Latinx masculine gender norms (e.g., traditional machismo and caballerismo) on sexual identity development of Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) is an expanding area of inquiry in Latinx psychology. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine whether endorsement of traditional machismo and caballerismo among LSMM vary based on their (a) sexual identity development status and (b) self-labeled sexual identity. We surveyed 499 LSMM (aged 18-57 years) across the United States via an online study. Based on correlational analyses and a multivariate analysis of variance, we describe how traditional machismo and caballerismo are related to (a) different levels of theorized sexual identity development statuses (uncertainty, exploration, commitment, synthesis/integration) as well as (b) participants' use of sexual identity labels (exclusively heterosexual/straight, mostly heterosexual/straight, bisexual, mostly homosexual/gay, exclusively homosexual/gay). Mixed results were found regarding hypothesized differences in participants' traditional machismo and caballerismo endorsement across the four sexual identity development statuses. Findings support the hypotheses that LSMM who indicate more traditional machismo and caballerismo tend to self-identify with heterosexual/straight labels compared to respondents who identify with bisexual or homosexual/gay labels. Implications for psychological research and clinical practice are discussed concerning the promotion of healthy and culturally congruent sexual identity development of LSMM. Public Significance Statement This study aimed to explore whether Latino sexual minority men's acceptance of traditional machismo and caballerismo (Latinx cultural values about masculinity) varies based on (a) their stage of sexual identity development and (b) the labels they use for their sexual identity. The insights gained from this study can help mental health professionals and researchers understand the relationship between traditional machismo, caballerismo, and the sexual identity development of Latino men.