Adolescence, sexism and emotional intelligence. Keys to prevent sexist attitudes

Abstract

Sexist attitudes continue to demand the attention of studies, given their close relationship with sexual discrimination and gender violence. Adolescence is a key evolutionary stage in the development of these beliefs. Our research objective is to analyze how emotional intelligence is related to the maintenance of these sexist beliefs, in their different manifestations (hostile sexism and benevolent sexism) as the origin of more problematic behaviors. The sample consists of 134 participants between 12 and 17 years of a rural population of Castilla La Mancha. The evaluation instruments used were the sexism detection scale in adolescents (DSA) and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24). When taking into account the sex of the participants, we found significant differences regarding the greater degree of hostile sexism that men show against women, as well as the close relationship between excessive attention to emotions in men and hostile sexism. In the case of women, a greater capacity to regulate their emotions correlated with a benevolent sexist attitude regarding their relationship with men. These results are discussed by the involvement of emotion management in the adoption of sexist beliefs and attitudes towards the opposite sex. The conclusions drawn from this study support training in emotion management.

Keywords

• sexismo
• inteligencia emocional
• adolescentes y género