The Masculinity-Aggression Link: Increasing Aggressive Behavior through Priming Masculinity
Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Masculinity is a gender construct comprised of several types of masculinities. One key commonality across masculinities is a tie to aggression. Because masculinity and aggression are so closely linked, men whose masculinity is threatened often defend their manhood through displays of aggression (Bosson & Vandello, 2011). Aggressive behavior can also be increased by priming aggression-related concepts (Mussweiler & Förster, 2000; Bargh, Chen, & Burrows, 1996). The present study examines whether simply priming the construct of masculinity can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior. Study 1 establishes a set of images to be used as a masculine prime and a set to be used as a neutral prime. Study 2 assesses the influence of a masculine prime on the accessibility of aggressive thought, but finds no effect. In Study 3, priming masculinity is found to increase aggressive behavior for men who have not received a threat to their masculinity.
Author: Caleb P Bay
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2612208640