Thesis (M.A.)--Ohio University, August, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references.

The investigator tested propositions derived from theories of male (Lipman-Blumen, 1976) and female (Bernard, 1976) same-sex bonding against propositions derived from theories of male (Bell, 1981; Safilios-Rothschild, 1981) and female (Bell, 1981; Lipman-Blumen, 1976) cross-sex bonding and, against propositions derived from a general theory of social relationships (Weiss, 1974). The purpose of the study was to determine the relevance of the variables, "sex of respondent" and "relationship gender composition" to the attainment of social support and to the relationship between social support and global well-being. The study was divided into three parts. In part one the investigator tested opposing propositions related to differences between the sexes in the overall level of social support provided by same-sex and cross-sex bonds. Lipman-Blumen (1976) has proposed that, in the overall attainment of social support, men's same-sex bonds are stronger than women's same-sex bonds; that men's same-sex bonds are stronger than men's cross-sex bonds; and that women's cross-sex bonds are stronger than women's same-sex bonds. Conversely, Safilios-Rothschild (1981) has suggested that men's same-sex bonds are weaker than women's same-sex bonds; that men's same-sex bonds are weaker than men's cross-sex bonds; and that women's cross-sex bonds are weaker than women's same-sex bonds. In part two, the investigator tested opposing propositions related to differences in the individual dimensions or provisions of social support provided by men's and women's same-sex and cross-sex bonds. Theorists emphasizing same-sex bonds have suggested that women's (Bernard, 1976) or men's (Lipman-Blumen, 1976) same-sex bonds provide higher levels of certain dimensions of social support than do women's or men's cross-sex bonds. Conversely, cross-sex bonding theorists have suggested that women's (Bell, 1981, Lipman-Blumen, 1976) or men's (Bell, 1981, Safilios-Rothschild, 1981) cross-sex bonds provide higher levels of certain dimensions of social support than do women's or men's same-sex bonds. In contrast to both the same-sex and cross-sex bonding theorists, Weiss (1974) has implied that women's and men's same-sex and cross-sex bonds provide equivalent levels of specific dimensions of social support. In part three, the investigator tested opposing propositions related to differences between the sexes in the relationship between the overall attainment of social support to their sense of global well-being. Bernard (1976) and Miller (1976) have proposed that this relationship is stronger for women than it is for men. Conversely, Weiss (1974) has implied that the relationship between social support and well-being is the same for men and women. The investigator also tested opposing propositions related to within sex differences in the relationship between the overall attainment of social support and global wellrbeing. Bernard (1976) and Miller (1976) have proposed that women's same-sex bonds are more strongly related to their sense of well-being than are women's cross-sex bonds. Conversely, Lipman-Blumen (1976) has suggested that women's cross-sex bonds are more strongly related to their sense of well-being than are women's same-sex bonds. Lipman-Blumen (1976) has also proposed that men's same-sex bonds are more strongly related to their sense of well-being than are men's cross-sex bonds. Conversely, Safilios-Rothschild (1981) has suggested that men's cross-sex bonds are more strongly related to their sense of well-being than are men's same-sex bonds. In contrast to the same-sex and cross-sex bonding theorists, Weiss (1974) has implied that men's and women's same-sex and cross-sex bonds are equally associated with their sense of well-being. The investigator tested these propositions by having 101 married women and 101 married men, who attended the University of British Columbia summer school session, fill out a series of questionnaires on social support and well-being. All subjects were between the ages of 25 and 45. None of the subjects were married to one another. Respondents completed the Social Provisions Scale (Russell & Cutrona, 198*) designed to assess Weiss's (1974) six dimensions or provisions of social support. These provisions are: attachment, social integration, reassurance of worth, reliable alliance, help and guidance, and, the opportunity for nurturance. The respondents completed the Social Provisions Scale twice, once for their same-sex relationships and once for their cross-sex (non-marital) relationships. Respondents also completed six measures of well-being: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1969); the Spheres of Control Scale—personal efficacy and interpersonal control dimensions (Paulhus 6c Christie, 1981); the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, 1984); the UCLA Loneliness Scale—Revised-Abbreviated Version (Russell, 1980); and, the Hakstian-McClean Depression Scale (Hakstian & McClean, 1979). The six measures of well-being were statistically combined, forming a molar variable identified as "global well-being". Concerning the attainment of social support, the results of this study indicate that, overall, women's same-sex bonds provide higher levels of social support than do men's same-sex bonds. Women's same-sex bonds also provide higher levels of social support than do women's cross-sex bonds. Men's same-sex and cross-sex bonds appear to provide equivalent levels of social support, overall. These results indicate partial support for propositions arising from Safilios-Rothschild's (1981) theory and fail to support propositions arising from Lipman-Blumen's (1976) theory. In addition, the women's same-sex bonds provide higher levels of several provisions of social support than do women's cross-sex bonds, which supports Bernard's (1976) theory. Men's same-sex bonds provide higher levels of two dimensions of social support than do men's cross-sex bonds, which indicates only partial support for propositions arising from Lipman-Blumen's (1976) and Weiss's (1974) theories. Concerning the relationship between social support and global well-being, the results of this study indicate that social support appears to be equally related to men's and women's sense of global well-being, supporting propositions implied by Weiss's (1974) theory. Moreover, both same-sex and cross-sex bonds appear to be strongly, but equally associated with men's and women's sense of well-being which again supports propositions implied by Weiss's (1974) theory. In conclusion, the variables of "sex of respondent" and "relationship gender composition" appear to be more relevant in the attainment of social support than in the relationship between social support and well-being. The impact of these results on Weiss's (1974) theory of social relationships, on Bernard's (1976) and Lipman-Blumen's (1976) theories of same-sex bonding, on theories of social support, and on theories of adult development are discussed. The practical implications of these results for counsellors and for future research investigations are outlined. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

Forcible rapes continue to occur at a rate of 1.3 per minute (National Victim Center, 1992). With an estimated 12.1 million women having been raped in our country (National Victim Center, 1992) and with most victims knowing the rapist, the importance of understanding the underlying dynamics leading to sexually aggressive behavior becomes imperative.The purpose of this study was to further delineate a possible contributory factor in the predisposition for rape. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between the perceived quality of father-child relationship and those underlying motivational and attitudinal factors associated with men who perpetrate sexual aggression towards women. A sample of 264 male college students were given a series of instruments examining underlying power motivations, sex-role stereotyping beliefs, attitudes of hostility toward women, relationship with father, relationship with mother, and sexually aggressive behavior. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between parent-child relationship and sexually aggressive attitudes and behavior.The results revealed that, consistent with previously reported literature, one measure of relationship with father was found to account for a significant amount of variance in hostility toward women. Relationship with father was not found to be significantly related to any of the remaining criterion measures. Relationship with mother was found to be significantly related to sex-role stereotyping. All criterion measures were significantly correlated with each other as were all the predictor measures.The results are discussed in relation to the hypotheses and previous research findings. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Men’s adherence to masculinity norms has been implicated as a risk factor for unhealthy behaviors (e.g., drinking to intoxication, having unprotected sex with multiple, simultaneous partners) and lack of engagement in healthy behaviors (e.g., blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, wearing protective clothing while in the sun, receipt of annual medical and dental exams) (Boman & Walker, 2010; Courtenay, 2000a, 2000b, 2011; Hammond, Matthews, & Corbie-Smith, 2010; Iwamoto, Cheng, Lee, Takamatsu, & Gordon, 2011; Locke & Mahalik, 2005; Mahalik, Lagan, & Morrison, 2006; Mahalik et al., 2003; Nicholas, 2000; Pachankis, Westmaas, & Dougherty, 2011; Pleck, Sonenstein, & Ku, 1993; Wade, 2009). Masculinity has been defined as behaviors, beliefs, and personality characteristics associated more often with men than women as well as characteristics and behaviors that society prescribes and reinforces in men (Thompson, Pleck, & Ferrera, 1992). Rooted in geographical, cultural, and temporal environments, diverse masculinities have emerged throughout the United States and the world (Connell, 1995; Courtenay, 2011). Traditional masculinity beliefs and behaviors in the United States include the sturdy oak (men should be tough, self-reliant, stoic, and confident), no sissy stuff (men should avoid feminine characteristics and behaviors), the big wheel (men should strive for success and status), and give ‘em hell (men should embrace aggressiveness, daring, and violence) (Brannon, 1976). Numerous qualitative studies have suggested that some men find cancer screening examinations involving the rectum (i.e., endoscopy for colorectal cancer [CRC] screening or digital rectal examination [DRE] for prostate cancer screening) an affront to their masculinity (see Table 1 for quotations from these studies) (Bass et al., 2011; Beeker, Kraft, Southwell, & Jorgensen, 2000; Getrich et al., 2012; Goldman, Diaz, & Kim, 2009; Harvey & Alston, 2011; Holt et al., 2009; Jilcott Pitts et al., 2013; Jones, Devers, Kuzel, & Woolf, 2010; Rivera-Ramos & Buki, 2011; Thompson, Reeder, & Abel, 2011; Wackerbarth, Peters, & Haist, 2005; Winterich et al., 2009). However, to the author’s knowledge, no quantitative studies have considered the role of masculinity in CRC screening adherence. Unfortunately, current CRC screening rates fall below the 70.5% Healthy People 2020 screening objective (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012).Research is needed to better understand relationships between men’s masculinity norms and CRC screening adherence so that interventions may be developed to reduce barriers to screening, improve screening rates, and, ultimately, decrease men’s mortality from CRC. The present study will address this gap in the literature by examining the masculinity norms and CRC screening adherence of male veterans aged 51-75 years who are at average CRC risk (Levin et al., 2008). First, the prevalence of CRC, its risk factors and warning signs as well as CRC screening techniques, screening rates, and characteristics of individuals who are adherent and non-adherent to CRC screening guidelines are summarized. Next, the concept of masculinity, theoretical and empirical support for studying masculinity norms within the context of CRC screening, and potential relationships between masculinity norms and colorectal cancer screening behaviors are described. Finally, the study methods, results, and future directions and limitations of this research are described.

The purpose of this research was twofold; a quantitative examination of male socialization patterns along with an assessment of change over time in male socialization experiences. Men born in the 1950s and men born in the 1970s were compared to obtain an understanding of male socialization processes and possible changes since feminist issues have become a prevalent source of discourse in society. A survey questionnaire was utilized with a modified snowball sampling technique to explore male socialization experience. One hundred and one men participated in the project. Socialization experience for the men in this sample was five dimensional and while certain dimensions revealed change over time, others remained static. Findings indicate that quantitative measures can be successfully employed to study socialization processes.

M. Tech. Textile design and Technology Tshwane University of Technology 2012. / The aim of this research is to investigate the perceived right to violate women, specifically when female dress choice is used as justification for violation. This research explores the high statistics of sexual violence in South Africa which form the context in which the problem is investigated. Female dress is used as a case study through which the high prevalence of gender violence in South Africa is explored. The research focuses on dress as a casual factor regarding female violation. Male perceptions of dress are explored as well as factors that influence these perceptions. The perceptive of social cognition and social psychology of dress as well as the theories of influence, attribution and modesty are used to gain insight into the process of creating perceptions and how these perceptions lead to certain types of behavior towards women dressed in a certain way. The above theories and perceptive are used to analyze three South African case studies. These case studies were gathered from media reports on three prominent incidents which occurred in South Africa in which dress was used as justification for female violation.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Russian demographic statistics reflect the persistence of a dramatically wide gender gap in life expectancy and mortality over the last decades - about twice that found in the developed world. On average, men in Russia live 12 years less than Russian women, and 14.5 years less than men in Western Europe. This thesis provides an overview and synthesis of the most recently available literature that addresses the persistent gender gap in mortality and life expectancy in Russia. I reviewed the prevalent behavioral and social-structural drivers that explain the causes of higher male mortality in contemporary Russia. Especially, I looked at how the conceptualization of the male social role and related norms that shape masculine behavior contribute to high male mortality in Russia. The study reveals that men’s unhealthy, risky behavior and their higher vulnerability to stress are considered to be linked to their gendered social identity which is created and reproduced by the social-structural context of the Russia’s society.