Masculinity and femininity personality traits and self-construal

A number of research findings has been reported recently regarding independent and interdependent self-construals as an individual difference variable within one culture. There were also some theoretical attempts to examine possible connections between interdependent or relational self and gender, but distinction between masculinity and femininity personality dimensions and self-construal has not been fully determined yet. Present research (N = 469 students) has been carried out in order to reveal the possible connections between these variables. We hypothesized that they reflect two general orientations. One is orientation toward interpersonal relatedness, referring, to the participation of an individual in a group community of which he or she is a part (femininity and interdependent sell). The other is orientation toward self, which relates to one's existence as an individual (masculinity and independent sell). Results confirmed our expectations. The meaning of out findings for the theory of self- and gender-schema is discussed as well as the implications for future research, especially about discriminant validity of the constructs.