Assessing Implicit and Explicit Sexual Double Standards Among Young Portuguese Adults

Shortly after research regarding the sexual double standard began, mixed results were found, which may be due to inconsistent methodology and outdated definitions of the concept. Studies often use explicit or self-report measures to assess the endorsement of a sexual double standard. Some of these approaches are not only influenced by social desirability, but they may also not be able to fully capture a sexual double standard. This study addressed the endorsement of the sexual double standard using an implicit association test (IAT) and a sexual double standard self-report scale. Additionally, sociosexuality was used to measure openness to casual sex as a moderator variable. The sample included 209 Portuguese heterosexual cisgender young adults (112 women and 97 men, Mage 23.75). Both men and women showed low endorsement of an explicit sexual double standard. However, the IAT revealed women to strongly adhere to an implicit reverse sexual double standard, while men showed very minor endorsement.