Femininity’s role in the anxiety and self-esteem of women aged 40-65.

Abstract

This study explored the contributions of femininity, relative to demographic factors (particularly age), to the psychosocial outcomes of anxiety and self- esteem. Extant research has found mixed results regarding these relationships. Higher and lower femininity and lower masculinity levels have been related to higher anxiety levels, and either a positive or no relationship between femininity and self-esteem. This research also examined the relationships between different femininity constructs, namely conformity to femininity and femininity ideology. The study used a cross-sectional design with multidimensional measures of femininity. One hundred and ninety-four female participants aged 18-65 years completed a self-report survey. Femininity was measured using the Conformity to Femininity Norms-45 (CFNI-45) and Femininity Ideology Scale (FIS), which were key independent variables. Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Rosenberg Self Esteem (RSE) Scale measured anxiety and self-esteem as key dependent variables, respectively. Data was analysed using correlational and regression analysis. Higher scores on CFNI-45 subscales (except involvement with children) were correlated with higher anxiety and lower selfesteem scores, and FIS subscales were positively correlated with anxiety scores. Regression analysis found that femininity subscales predicted anxiety and self-esteem. Hierarchical regression analysis showed age predicted lower anxiety and higher self-esteem but accounted for smaller changes compared to femininity variables. Differences between age groups were also examined using ANOVA, which found that femininity ideology levels were highest in the youngest and oldest age groups. Anxiety tends to increase with most aspects of conformity to femininity and femininity ideology, self esteem tends to decrease with conformity, while the opposite pattern holds for age, which may be a protective factor. Understanding how femininity concepts and behaviour may limit or enhance the quality of life of women enables counselling psychologists to better respond to female clients' needs.

Date of Award	12 Nov 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Roehampton
Supervisor	Virginia Lam (Director of Studies) & Angela Ioanna Loulopoulou (Co-Supervisor)