Differential Personality Styles in Men and Women

Abstract

The authors approached women’s and men’s personality styles within a gender socialization framework, as it appears that personality operates differently for males and females not only as a function of their sex but also as a function of their conformity to gender norms and roles. In total, 604 college students (202 men and 402 women) completed the Millon Index of Personality Styles, and the women also completed the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory. Significant sex differences in personality emerged. However, the number and magnitude differed as a function of women’s conformity to feminine norms to the extent that, in the case of the lower conformity group, the differences between women and men decreased. Conformity to feminine norms also explained from 4% to 33% of the variance in each personality style. The findings support previous research and highlight the importance of studying gender differences and gender roles on the effects of personality.