Construct validity of the relationship profile test: impact of gender, gender role, and gender role stereotype.
Research supports the construct validity of the Relationship Profile Test (RPT; Bornstein & Languirand, 2003), a 30-item, self-report measure of destructive overdependence (DO), dysfunctional detachment (DD), and healthy dependency. In this investigation, we assessed the relationships of gender, gender role, and gender role stereotype ratings to RPT subscale scores. In Study 1, we replicated earlier patterns of gender differences in RPT scores, assessed cross-sample consistency in gender difference effect sizes, and provided preliminary nonclinical norms for the RPT subscales. Study 2 showed that--as expected--DO items are perceived as stereotypically feminine, whereas DD items are perceived as stereotypically masculine. In Study 3, we examined the relationships of RPT subscale scores to masculinity, femininity, and androgyny scores. We discuss the theoretical, empirical, and clinical implications of these findings.
Bornstein
Robert F
RF
Department of Psychology, Gettysburg College, PA 17325, USA. bbornste@gettysburg.edu
Geiselman
Kimberly J
KJ
Gallagher
Heather A
HA
Ng
H Mei
HM
Hughes
Erin E
EE
Languirand
Mary A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires