The Influence of Gender Role on the Prediction of Antisocial Behaviour and Somatization

Background: Previous research has demonstrated a sex-differentiated relationship between antisocial behaviour and somatization. One explanation posited is that societal expectations about male and female behaviour may influence a sex-differentiated expression of a common diathesis, but this idea has not been directly tested.

Aims: The current study examined the potential contribution of gender role in the prediction of antisocial and somatic symptomatology, controlling for biological sex, impulsivity and negative affect.

Methods: Linear regression was used to examine the influence of gender role on somatic and antisocial symptomatology. Path analysis was used to examine whether relationships among these variables differed significantly for men and women. Participants were 349 undergraduate students in southeastern USA.

Results: Masculine gender role was positively related to antisocial behaviour, while feminine gender role was negatively related to antisocial behaviour. Gender role did not predict somatization.

Conclusions: Gender role may be important to the expression of antisocial behaviour, but does not influence somatic symptoms. Current findings underscore the need to consider that observed sex differences in antisocial behaviour might actually be affected by gender role, and highlight the importance of considering societal expectations of male and female behaviour when examining apparent sex differences in behaviour.